Province of

The 30th Legislature Second Session Alberta Hansard

Tuesday afternoon, April 20, 2021

Day 100

The Honourable Nathan M. Cooper, Speaker

Legislative Assembly of Alberta The 30th Legislature Second Session Cooper, Hon. Nathan M., Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills (UC), Speaker Pitt, Angela D., Airdrie-East (UC), Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees Milliken, Nicholas, -Currie (UC), Deputy Chair of Committees

Aheer, Hon. Leela Sharon, Chestermere-Strathmore (UC) Nally, Hon. Dale, Morinville-St. Albert (UC), Allard, Tracy L., Grande Prairie (UC) Deputy Government House Leader Amery, Mickey K., Calgary-Cross (UC) Neudorf, Nathan T., Lethbridge-East (UC) Armstrong-Homeniuk, Jackie, Nicolaides, Hon. Demetrios, Calgary-Bow (UC) Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville (UC) Nielsen, Christian E., -Decore (NDP) Barnes, Drew, Cypress-Medicine Hat (UC) Nixon, Hon. Jason, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre (UC), Bilous, Deron, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview (NDP) Government House Leader Carson, Jonathon, Edmonton-West Henday (NDP) Nixon, Jeremy P., Calgary-Klein (UC) Ceci, Joe, Calgary-Buffalo (NDP) Notley, Rachel, Edmonton-Strathcona (NDP), Copping, Hon. Jason C., Calgary-Varsity (UC) Leader of the Official Opposition Dach, Lorne, Edmonton-McClung (NDP), Orr, Ronald, Lacombe-Ponoka (UC) Official Opposition Deputy Whip Pancholi, Rakhi, Edmonton-Whitemud (NDP) Dang, Thomas, Edmonton-South (NDP), Official Opposition Deputy House Leader Panda, Hon. Prasad, Calgary-Edgemont (UC) Deol, Jasvir, Edmonton-Meadows (NDP) Phillips, Shannon, Lethbridge-West (NDP) Dreeshen, Hon. Devin, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (UC) Pon, Hon. Josephine, Calgary-Beddington (UC) Eggen, David, Edmonton-North West (NDP), Rehn, Pat, Lesser Slave Lake (Ind) Official Opposition Whip Reid, Roger W., Livingstone-Macleod (UC) Ellis, Mike, Calgary-West (UC), Renaud, Marie F., St. Albert (NDP) Government Whip Rosin, Miranda D., Banff-Kananaskis (UC) Feehan, Richard, Edmonton-Rutherford (NDP) Rowswell, Garth, Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright (UC) Fir, Tanya, Calgary-Peigan (UC) Rutherford, Brad, Leduc-Beaumont (UC) Ganley, Kathleen T., Calgary-Mountain View (NDP) Sabir, Irfan, Calgary-McCall (NDP), Getson, Shane C., Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland (UC) Official Opposition Deputy House Leader Glasgo, Michaela L., Brooks-Medicine Hat (UC) Savage, Hon. Sonya, Calgary-North West (UC), Glubish, Hon. Nate, Strathcona- (UC) Deputy Government House Leader Goehring, Nicole, Edmonton-Castle Downs (NDP) Sawhney, Hon. Rajan, Calgary-North East (UC) Goodridge, Laila, Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche (UC) Schmidt, Marlin, Edmonton-Gold Bar (NDP) Gotfried, Richard, Calgary-Fish Creek (UC) Schow, Joseph R., Cardston-Siksika (UC), Gray, Christina, Edmonton- (NDP), Deputy Government Whip Official Opposition House Leader Schulz, Hon. Rebecca, Calgary-Shaw (UC) Guthrie, Peter F., Airdrie-Cochrane (UC) Schweitzer, Hon. Doug, QC, Calgary-Elbow (UC), Hanson, David B., Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul (UC) Deputy Government House Leader Hoffman, Sarah, Edmonton-Glenora (NDP) Shandro, Hon. Tyler, QC, Calgary-Acadia (UC) Horner, Nate S., Drumheller-Stettler (UC) Hunter, Hon. Grant R., Taber-Warner (UC) Shepherd, David, Edmonton-City Centre (NDP) Irwin, Janis, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (NDP), Sigurdson, Lori, Edmonton-Riverview (NDP) Official Opposition Deputy Whip Sigurdson, R.J., Highwood (UC) Issik, Whitney, Calgary-Glenmore (UC) Singh, Peter, Calgary-East (UC) Jones, Matt, Calgary-South East (UC) Smith, Mark W., Drayton Valley-Devon (UC) Kenney, Hon. Jason, PC, Calgary-Lougheed (UC), Stephan, Jason, Red Deer-South (UC) Premier Sweet, Heather, Edmonton-Manning (NDP) LaGrange, Hon. Adriana, Red Deer-North (UC) Toews, Hon. Travis, Grande Prairie-Wapiti (UC) Loewen, Todd, Central Peace-Notley (UC) Toor, Devinder, Calgary-Falconridge (UC) Long, Martin M., West Yellowhead (UC) Turton, Searle, -Stony Plain (UC) Lovely, Jacqueline, Camrose (UC) van Dijken, Glenn, Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock (UC) Loyola, Rod, Edmonton-Ellerslie (NDP) Walker, Jordan, Sherwood Park (UC) Luan, Hon. Jason, Calgary-Foothills (UC) Williams, Dan D.A., Peace River (UC) Madu, Hon. Kaycee, QC, Edmonton-South West (UC), Wilson, Hon. Rick D., Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin (UC) Deputy Government House Leader Yao, Tany, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo (UC) McIver, Hon. Ric, Calgary-Hays (UC), Deputy Government House Leader Yaseen, Muhammad, Calgary-North (UC) Party standings: United Conservative: 62 New Democrat: 24 Independent: 1 Officers and Officials of the Legislative Assembly Shannon Dean, QC, Clerk Michael Kulicki, Clerk of Committees and Amanda LeBlanc, Deputy Editor of Alberta Teri Cherkewich, Law Clerk Research Services Hansard Trafton Koenig, Senior Parliamentary Nancy Robert, Clerk of Journals and Chris Caughell, Sergeant-at-Arms Counsel Research Officer Tom Bell, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Philip Massolin, Clerk Assistant and Janet Schwegel, Director of Parliamentary Paul Link, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Director of House Services Programs

Executive Council

Jason Kenney Premier, President of Executive Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Relations

Leela Aheer Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Minister of Labour and Immigration Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Minister of Service Alberta Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction Adriana LaGrange Minister of Education Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Ric McIver Minister of Transportation, Minister of Municipal Affairs Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity Minister of Advanced Education Minister of Environment and Parks Minister of Infrastructure Minister of Seniors and Housing Minister of Energy Minister of Community and Social Services Minister of Children’s Services Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Minister of Health President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Rick Wilson Minister of Indigenous Relations

Parliamentary Secretaries

Laila Goodridge Parliamentary Secretary Responsible for Alberta’s Francophonie Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism Parliamentary Secretary of Immigration

STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA

Standing Committee on the Standing Committee on Standing Committee on Standing Committee on Alberta Heritage Savings Alberta’s Economic Future Families and Communities Legislative Offices Trust Fund Chair: Mr. Neudorf Chair: Ms Goodridge Chair: Mr. Schow Chair: Mr. Orr Deputy Chair: Ms Goehring Deputy Chair: Ms Sigurdson Deputy Chair: Mr. Sigurdson Deputy Chair: Mr. Rowswell Armstrong-Homeniuk Amery Ceci Eggen Barnes Carson Lovely Gray Bilous Glasgo Loyola Issik Irwin Gotfried Rosin Jones Reid Lovely Rutherford Phillips Rosin Neudorf Shepherd Singh Rowswell Pancholi Smith Yaseen Sweet Rutherford Sweet Sabir Yaseen van Dijken Smith Walker

Special Standing Committee Standing Committee on Standing Committee on Standing Committee on on Members’ Services Private Bills and Private Privileges and Elections, Public Accounts Chair: Mr. Cooper Members’ Public Bills Standing Orders and Chair: Ms Phillips Printing Deputy Chair: Mr. Ellis Chair: Mr. Ellis Deputy Chair: Mr. Guthrie Deputy Chair: Mr. Schow Chair: Mr. Smith Dang Armstrong-Homeniuk Deputy Chair: Mr. Reid Deol Amery Lovely Goehring Dang Armstrong-Homeniuk Neudorf Goodridge Getson Barnes Pancholi Long Glasgo Deol Renaud Neudorf Irwin Ganley Rowswell Sabir Nielsen Gotfried Schmidt Sigurdson, R.J. Rutherford Jones Singh Williams Sigurdson, L. Lovely Turton

Sigurdson, R.J. Loyola Walker

Rehn

Renaud

Select Special Committee on Standing Committee on Real Property Rights Resource Stewardship Chair: Mr. Sigurdson Chair: Mr. Hanson Deputy Chair: Mr. Rutherford Deputy Chair: Member Ceci Ganley Dach Glasgo Feehan Goodridge Ganley Hanson Getson Milliken Guthrie Nielsen Issik Orr Loewen Rowswell Singh Schmidt Turton Sweet Yaseen

April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4665

Legislative Assembly of Alberta National Volunteer Week Title: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Ms Glasgo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. National Volunteer Week will be celebrated from April 18 to 24 in communities across the [The Speaker in the chair] province. This year’s theme is the Value of One, the Power of Many. This theme reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by head: Prayers millions of individuals and the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. From seniors to the very The Speaker: Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to young, from new Canadians to those who have called Alberta home our Queen and to her government, to Members of the Legislative for generations, Alberta’s volunteers reflect the rich diversity of the Assembly, and to all in positions of responsibility the guidance of province, with volunteers representing every demographic group. Your spirit. May they never lead the province wrongly through love In fact, many newcomers to Alberta and get involved as of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideas but, laying aside all volunteers as a way to learn about, build relationships in, and private interest and prejudice, keep in mind their responsibility to contribute to their new community. seek to improve the condition of all. Volunteers are such a gift to our community. Their work truly Please be seated. comes from the heart, Mr. Speaker. I saw this in action when I visited the Medicine Hat food bank on Friday to build hampers and head: Members’ Statements lend a hand. The food bank was abuzz with smiling, generous, energetic citizens donating their morning to serve those who need Affordable Child Care help the most. Volunteers like the ones in Brooks-Medicine Hat Ms Pancholi: Mr. Speaker, we have a real opportunity in this don’t want special recognition. They donate their time, talent, and province. Yesterday’s federal budget included a landmark commit- resources with no incentive other than the kindness in their hearts. ment of $30 billion over five years for early learning and child care. But I think they deserve all the recognition that they can get, and This is a significant investment. It can change lives and transform during National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to recognize the care and compassion of these amazing Albertans. our economy and who has the opportunity to participate in it fully. There are many ways to thank a volunteer. You can nominate an I want to take a moment and acknowledge the outpouring of emotion outstanding youth, adult, or senior volunteer in your community for and joy being felt by women right across Alberta. I want to take a a Stars of Alberta volunteer award, recognize an everyday hero moment to congratulate and pay tribute to the generations of through the Alberta northern lights volunteer recognition program, women before me who have fought for this for decades. It is on and highlight individuals, teams, or projects by sharing volunteer their behalf that I intend to lead the charge to push this Premier and stories on social media or other platforms. You could send them a this government to act. personalized thank you. You could write a reference letter for a We know the uphill fight to convince this government to put aside volunteer who is applying for a job. its ideology isn’t easy. This government recently cancelled the $25- If anybody wants to get in on the volunteer action, I encourage per-day child care pilot program launched by the NDP, abandoning them to visit the Alberta Cares Connector at volunteerconnector.org working parents, children, educators, and operators. This was a move to find out about opportunities near them. Mr. Speaker, Alberta has in the wrong direction. Just last night the Minister of Finance and the some of the highest rates of volunteers in Canada, and that is Minister of Children’s Services put out statements relying on the something to be proud of. tired fiction of parent choice and saying that they would only play Happy National Volunteer Week. ball with the federal government if the UCP has flexibility over how the funding is used. Here’s the thing. Their approach won’t work. Federal Carbon Tax What has been done by Conservative governments for decades when it comes to child care and what the UCP is advocating for Mr. Stephan: Mr. Speaker, the March 25 decision of the Supreme doesn’t work. Instead, we’ll continue to see tens of thousands of Court is concerning. It confers a fiscal power on Ottawa ripe for women unable to participate in the workforce and help grow the abuse. Under the guise of an authority to impose a carbon tax, economy. We’ll see children left behind. This government is calling Ottawa can inflict harm on Alberta businesses and families. This is for flexibility because it doesn’t want to support affordable child a constitutional Trojan Horse. Similar to equalization, carbon taxes care for all. This is despite the evidence and studies by so many can be used to leverage de facto transfer payments and power from economists, bankers, and experts that have all come to one Alberta to favour political power bases in the east. This decision conclusion: there is no economic recovery without affordable child will embolden the Trudeau Liberals. Their carbon tax is $40 a care. tonne. They plan to increase it each year to $170 a tonne. How will The issues surrounding child care became more apparent during this impact the competitiveness of our oil and gas industry? How this COVID-19 pandemic, but they existed long before. If this about the impact on Alberta families and businesses? Crickets. government is serious about supporting Albertans through the Mr. Speaker, let’s be honest. Carbon taxes are as much political unprecedented challenges they currently face, then I call on them to as they are environmental. If Quebec was an oil and gas jurisdiction, put their money where their mouth is, work with the federal Ottawa would never impose these carbon taxes. This is a troubled government to make affordable child care for all a reality, and help partnership. Entrenched interests benefiting from it will seek to us build Alberta’s future. impede efforts by Alberta for fairness. What shall we do? Thank you. We must prepare for the future, and we must increase self-reliance from a rudderless federal government, morally challenged and now The Speaker: The hon. Member for Brooks-Medicine Hat. fiscally bankrupt, without a principled vision of hope. Yet we are 4666 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 free to act for ourselves and can trust in the truth, that small and needs and provide spiritual and mental health support to others. simple things can be magnified into great outcomes. Alberta Health Services, too, provides resources and support for Thank you. those in need. This includes the 24/7 Health Link line, that Albertans can access by dialing 811, and also includes the addiction helpline, Premier’s Remarks on COVID-19 mental health helpline that Albertans can access through the Alberta Health Services website. I encourage everyone in need to use the Mr. Nielsen: I will start by stating some basic facts about COVID- supports that are provided by the Alberta government and by AHS. 19. It is not the flu. It has affected both the young and old. Our Thank you, Mr. Speaker. homeless population is not immune. Those infected with COVID- 19 are sick. Keeping our schools safe will require more than having The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-McCall is next. teachers tidy up. It’s dangerous and must be taken seriously. These are the essential facts, essential because from the start of this COVID-19 Impact on Education pandemic the Premier has argued against each of these points. At every single chance this Premier has used his position to dismiss Mr. Sabir: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some days it’s as if the Minister the seriousness of COVID-19, from the start of this pandemic, of Education doesn’t even talk to parents, students, teachers, and where the Premier six times in one day called COVID-19 the flu, to school staff. She actually had the audacity to stand in this House this week, where the Premier invented a birthday party rather than yesterday and claim that COVID-19 has not affected the learning admit schools might not be safe. of students for 99.6 per cent of Alberta students. I was floored. I Albertans have been looking for serious leadership during this couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth. pandemic, and they have been disappointed time and time again by Perhaps if she talked to families in my constituency, in Fort this Premier. They look to him to support them with the restrictions McMurray, in Sherwood Park, she would realize that nearly 90,000 and were disappointed with his paltry response, that has caused students are currently being forced to learn from home because the thousands of small businesses to struggle. They look to him to show government sat on its hands last summer and did nothing to prepare leadership with our health care heroes, only to see him wage war for the second and third waves of COVID-19. Perhaps if she talked with them during the first and second waves and plan to fire 11,000 to teachers, she would realize that so many continue to do their jobs front-line workers. They look to him to lead by example, only to in fear of variant strains discovered in their schools, that they watch him sign off on tropical vacations during Christmas while continue to do all they can to keep themselves and their students everyone else was told to stay home. They look to him to lead his safe, but they are stretched far too thin. caucus and party, only to watch him defend the selfish, reckless Perhaps the minister would be reminded that she fired 20,000 actions of 17 of his caucus over the health and well-being of educational assistants at the outset of this pandemic, and those staff Albertans. would help so greatly right now as schools attempt to maintain From day one he has made unsubstantiated, unscientific claims, social distancing and proper hygiene. Perhaps if the minister talked and when called on it, he blames everyone else, from the unknown to school staff, she would realize that funding support for school briefers, who he blames for his invented birthday party in PPE and cleaning supplies ran out long ago, and so much more Athabasca, to members of the media, who he accuses of bashing support is needed just to allow for basic cleaning of schools. And Albertans. For a Premier who claims that he’s responsible for the perhaps if she talked to parents now at home with their kids, she government response, I certainly can’t find him taking responsibility would understand the need for a proper Alberta learn-from-home at a time when we need real leadership. fund to help pay for the additional costs being piled onto household budgets that are already stretched. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-East. Perhaps this minister should do her job and talk to Albertans. This is not the time for her to stand in this House and pat herself on the Mental Health back. She hasn’t done the job at all. Mr. Singh: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past year has been a Thank you, Mr. Speaker. difficult one for all Albertans. Faced with increased isolation and a lack of community support, many Albertans have felt that their Keyano College Flood Mitigation mental health has been negatively impacted. Albertans have been Ms Goodridge: Last spring Fort McMurray experienced a 1-in- forced to adjust to a new normal. For many, this means setting up 100-year flood that caused extensive damage to businesses, homes, an office at home, attending online school, or meeting with loved critical infrastructure throughout the area, including at Keyano ones virtually. This has been the new normal, but that doesn’t mean that it is ideal. College. With the spring river break-up upon us again, protecting While we look forward to a new year and a gradual return to how critical infrastructure is priority number one in Fort McMurray. things were before, we need to acknowledge the challenges that Last week I had the opportunity to meet with Keyano College to Albertans currently face, particularly in maintaining their mental discuss some of the steps they are taking to protect themselves health. Albertans have made great strides recently to destigmatize against potential flooding. During their meeting I learned that asking for help and to encourage healing for mental health. This is Keyano has decided to use an innovative, Alberta-based company, very important because a person’s mental health can influence Tiger Dam, to help provide flood mitigation and protections. every aspect of their lives. The Tiger Dam flood barrier is a leading-edge system that can be quickly deployed in the event of an emergency by using flexible, 1:40 water-filled bladders to block flood waters. Each dam is reusable, Mr. Speaker, I’m also happy to recognize that Alberta’s and it replaces about 500 sandbags and is half the price of sandbags government has provided many mental health supports to the on first use. province this past year. Through the mental health and addiction Keyano will be deploying the Tiger Dam system for the first time COVID-19 community funding grant organizations have been able this month, in time for the river break-up. The company Tiger Dam to apply for funding to enable them to serve their communities’ has employees on scene providing training to the Keyano employees April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4667 to teach them how to safely deploy this system. It’s spectacular to see the impressive amount of red tape the NDP managed to wrap Keyano College taking flood mitigation so seriously. Part of their around the province during their four-year term. Well, I am pleased emergency preparedness will also include an annual deployment of to report that we have to date reduced the red tape in this province the Tiger dams that will be timed with the spring river break-up. by just over 16 per cent and are well on our way to achieving that Keyano will continue their collaborative efforts with Alberta one-third reduction goal. Advanced Education, Alberta Infrastructure, the Alberta Emergency Allow me to highlight four specific accomplishments within the Management Agency, and the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo current 16 per cent reduction obtained. First, we modernized liquor on finding longer term solutions for flood mitigation. by giving responsible Albertans and Alberta businesses more During my visit I was also made an honorary member of the options when choosing to purchase, consume, and produce alcohol. Keyano College Huskies athletics and was even presented with a Second, we updated regulations to eliminate more than 15,000 jersey with my name on the back. Keyano College does so much outdated provincial commercial carrier permits without affecting for our community and our region, and I’m happy to know that they safety on Alberta roads. Third, we streamlined the child care subsidy are taking proactive steps to protect one of the pillars of our application process by replacing paper forms and phone calls with community. Go, Huskies, go. an up-to-date, easy-to-use online system, that’ll save Albertan taxpayers approximately $1.1 million per year. Finally, we brought The hon. Member for Calgary-Fish Creek. The Speaker: in electronic pink cards in order to make both physical and digital pink cards a valid form of proof of insurance. COVID-19 Community Response Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the Canadian Federation Mr. Gotfried: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today with hope and of Independent Business giving Alberta an A on its 2020 report measured confidence that Albertans will do what we are more than card. Given the fiscal impacts of COVID-19 it is critical that we capable of, pulling together during difficult times. Yes, we’re in the make it as easy as possible for businesses to operate, create jobs, middle of a public health emergency and an economic crisis, and and drive Alberta’s economy forward. To support Alberta’s all of us in this Chamber need to be committed to a common goal. economic recovery, we will continue to cut red tape and get out of We need to work together and build on the strength of character the way of our job creators and our innovators. that has been a hallmark of our great province, and we must turn the Thank you, Mr. Speaker. wave of negative energy that seems to be threatening to overwhelm us into positive action for Albertans. Can we blame ourselves or head: Presenting Reports by others for a global virus? No. But we can all work together to invoke head: Standing and Special Committees our famous prairie work ethic, can-do attitude, and sense of community spirit, that just a few short generations ago cleared The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-West. fields, raised barns, and took care of neighbours in need. People – yes, people – working together are the real Alberta advantage, not Mr. Ellis: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As chair of the the divisiveness that seems to be gripping too many, including those Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Public of us privileged enough to represent in this Chamber. We’ve seen Bills I’m pleased to table the committee’s final report on Bill 214. throughout history that Albertans are indeed stronger together in That’s the Eastern Slopes Protection Act, sponsored by the hon. seizing opportunity, overcoming adversity, and building not only Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. The bill was referred to the the lives and livelihoods we collectively seek but a compassionate committee on April 7, 2021. The report recommends that Bill 214 and civil society, now and for future generations. proceed. I request concurrence of the Assembly in the final report But it is clear that COVID fatigue has set in, and many Albertans on Bill 214. are moving from impatience to frustration to anger. Yes, our hope Thank you, sir. is that we are indeed in the final battle of a long and arduous war The Speaker: Hon. members, the motion for concurrence in the against this devastating virus, but we must not give up. Long- report on Bill 214, Eastern Slopes Protection Act, is a debatable awaited vaccines are being dispensed while the Herculean efforts of the dedicated souls in our seniors and health care community motion pursuant to Standing Order 18(1)(b). Are there any members provide us with hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Each of us wishing to speak to concurrence? Having seen members wishing to as Albertans holds the key to turning to positive action through speak to the motion in concurrence of the report, that debate will selflessness, personal responsibility, compassion, volunteerism, take place on the next available Monday under the item of business collaboration, and respectful discourse. I challenge each and every Motions for Concurrence in Committee Reports on Public Bills one of us inside and outside of this Chamber to learn from Other than Government Bills. generations past as we all recommit to doing our part in keeping Alberta strong, healthy, and free. 1:50 head: Oral Question Period Thank you. The Speaker: The Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition has The Speaker: The hon. Member for Vermilion-Lloydminster- the call. Wainwright. COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout and Paid Leave for Employees Red Tape Reduction Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that question period Mr. Rowswell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lately there’s been a lot isn’t always the friendliest of exchanges in the House, but today I’d of doom and gloom in this House, and today I’d like to stand up and like to try bucking the trend for a moment and provide the Premier talk about something positive for a change. One of our platform with an opportunity to work together and make a difference for commitments in 2019 was to reduce the burden of red tape on Albertans. Right now we need to do everything we can to get vaccines Albertan entrepreneurs and businesses by one-third by the time our into the arms of Albertans, full stop. In B.C. the government just term was up, in 2023. This was definitely an ambitious goal given proposed legislation to ensure that employees are entitled to three 4668 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 paid hours if they have to leave work to get their shot. Saskatchewan The Speaker: The hon. Leader of the Opposition. did the same a month ago. Front-line workers need this in Alberta, too. Would the Premier agree to work with us to pass this legislation Ms Notley: Well, thankfully, we do have examples that already here? exist in both Saskatchewan and B.C.

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier. Affordable Child Care

Mr. Kenney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the constructive Ms Notley: Now on to a different topic. It is past time that we spirit in which the hon. Leader of the Opposition makes that recognize the economic and social value of truly affordable and suggestion, and I think it’s a very constructive one. I’ve just heard universal child care and then make it happen. A 50-cent reduction of the suggestion earlier today. I’d like to consult with officials and in fees next year and a $10-per-day cost by 2025: the federal budget colleagues in Executive Council, but I’m certainly open to the idea. was actually quite welcome news for young families. But instead of I would implore all employers – I think it’s clearly in their interests celebrating it, we heard the Finance minister say that they weren’t to ensure that their workforce is vaccinated. They shouldn’t have to interested in taking part. Will the Premier stand up today, support be compelled by legislation, but if there are some employers who quality, affordable, universal child care, and commit that he will do are not doing the right thing in providing that time for vaccination whatever it takes to get that $800 million a year from Ottawa for as necessary, I will certainly be open to consider working with the our kids? Leader of the Opposition on this. Mr. Kenney: Mr. Speaker, what parents need is support for their The Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition. child care choices, not a one-size-fits-all, Ottawa-based approach. We will study the proposal embedded in yesterday’s federal budget, Ms Notley: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That’s really but if it is, as it appears to be, a cookie-cutter approach, nine-to-five, good news. We know that we don’t want people right now to be government-run, union-operated, largely urban care that excludes logging in to book their appointments just to find that the only spots shift workers, largely excludes rural people, excludes informal left are ones they simply can’t miss work for. We don’t believe a forms of child care, that would not meet the needs of most Albertans. single Albertan should miss their shot because they feel they can’t But we’ll certainly review the proposal. afford it. We know the variants won’t wait for a vacation day. The legislation put forward in B.C. is a good idea, and interestingly it Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, it doesn’t appear that the Premier had the support of labour groups and also employer groups. So if understands what most Albertans are going through. Let me help. the Premier agrees, will he commit to a time within which he would Right now the hunt for child care starts pretty much right after the come back to put forward that legislation? positive pregnancy test. You get your obstetrician, and then you start looking for child care spaces. After sitting on a wait-list for Mr. Kenney: Well, Mr. Speaker, I would undertake to come back two years, the excitement of a call evaporates when you see what to the Leader of the Opposition by this time tomorrow. Allow me the bill will be and you realize that the math just doesn’t add up. one working day to make the appropriate consultations to see if Women who are skilled, instead choose to leave their careers. It is there might be unintended consequences of which I am not aware. demoralizing. Why won’t the Premier help them stay in the Once again, with or without legislation we would implore economy? employers to do the right thing, ensure that their employees have every opportunity to get vaccinated. It’s only in the interests of Mr. Kenney: Well, Mr. Speaker, we certainly understand the very employers and safe workplaces, and we would encourage them to incredible need of so many Alberta families for that support, which do so immediately. is why we took a program that was subsidizing in part the very wealthy, the NDP pilot program, and have made it focused on The Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition. lowest income Albertans, who most need that assistance. But we don’t want to exclude the tens of thousands of spots that are Ms Notley: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m very available through private-sector operators, we don’t want to pleased to hear about that 24-hour timeline. I really, very much do exclude the parents who have informal child care arrangements, and appreciate that because, of course, we know we have a break that’s we don’t want to exclude rural parents or shift workers through a coming up next week. B.C. already has the blueprint. We could one-size-fits-all Ottawa approach. literally do a cut-and-paste, and Parliamentary Counsel could have legislation ready to go tomorrow if the discussions go well with the Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, Alberta families with young Premier. Our caucus is prepared to waive the rules and pass children will choose the highest quality option they can afford, and whatever procedural amendments are required to get it passed this it’s up to us to provide it. The Premier uses words like “choice,” but week. I look forward and want to thank the Premier for that he needs to understand that the last-minute stopgap arrangements consideration and hope that he will consider going along with us to made by frantic parents are never actually the choice, including the get that done by Thursday. types that he talks about. Parents are forced to give up their careers when the costs are too high or the care is too low, and that hurts the Mr. Kenney: I appreciate that, Mr. Speaker. Again, we’ll have to economy. Why doesn’t the Premier support growing the economy do a quick policy scan on the proposal and what’s happened in other by helping more women to be part of it? jurisdictions. I’ll take this up immediately with the hon. the Minister of Labour and Immigration. I would just advise the Leader Mr. Kenney: Well, Mr. Speaker, not only do we support growing of the Opposition that we have limited Parliamentary Counsel the economy, but the central organizing principle of this govern- capacity right now. One of our lead statutory writers was drafted to ment is growing the economy. We will review in detail the federal become the Clerk of the Nova Scotia Assembly, I believe, so our proposal. But, you know, it used to be that Alberta governments small but mighty team of drafters is working overtime, but we’ll do before the NDP was in office used to join provinces like Quebec in our best working with them. fighting for maximum flexibility so we could design programs that April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4669 are most relevant to our people on the ground. Institutional, nine- Ms Notley: So we’re apparently not able to talk about federal to-five, urban – subsidies for urban institutional child care don’t politicians. assist rural families or people with shift work or so many other Anyway, between the Supreme Court and his Ottawa boss’s plan, needs. it is clear that carbon pricing is here to stay. Now, I‘ve said this for four years: a made-in-Alberta plan is better than one made in The Speaker: The hon. Leader of the Opposition for her third set Ottawa. While the Premier may not have liked my plan, his plan to of questions. simply fight the plan has just gone up in smoke, and now Albertans Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, those arguments are just distractions. are left to follow Ottawa’s marching orders. When will the Premier read the writing on the wall and step up with a made-in-Alberta Carbon Pricing strategy that will actually last and support Albertans?

Ms Notley: You know, the Premier considers himself a great The Speaker: To provide some clarity, you’re more than welcome fighter of Ottawa, but he hasn’t uttered a peep about Erin O’Toole’s to speak about Ottawa. You just need to ensure that the question new carbon tax. News flash: he’s from Ottawa, too. I can’t image a that you ask is relevant to how Ottawa politicians or politics impact more top-down, authoritative approach to consumer carbon pricing Alberta government policy. You’re welcome to speak about Ottawa than the federal Conservative plan. They want to take your money, politicians. hold it hostage in a spending account entirely under the control of The hon. Premier. bureaucrats and money managers. Does the Premier really support a carbon tax with Ottawa peering into the bank accounts of each Mr. Kenney: Mr. Speaker, the NDP carbon tax in Alberta was a and every individual Canadian? made-in-Alberta tax grab; 60 per cent of every dollar raised by punishing people for filling up their gas tanks went to NDP coffers The Speaker: I’m not sure what Alberta government policy you for things like low-flow shower heads and light bulbs and renewable might be referring to, but if the Premier would like to respond, he’s energy subsidies that were completely unnecessary. You know, I welcome to do so. don’t like the federal carbon tax, but at least they give 90 per cent of it back. One thing we won’t do is replicate the NDP’s tax grab. Mr. Kenney: Yeah. Thanks, Mr. Speaker. For viewers at home, question period is for questions about government of Alberta policy, Eastern Slopes Protection and not opposition policies in the federal . Coal Development Policies Having said that, Alberta remains opposed to punishing people for living normal lives, for filling up their gas tanks and heating Ms Ganley: Mr. Speaker, yesterday Albertans once again saw this their homes, while at the same time we are committed to real action government run and hide from their own constituents. This time it to reduce carbon emissions to address the climate imperative. What was about our legislation to protect the Rocky Mountains and vital we won’t do is what the NDP did, which was to bring in a tax as a headwaters from the devastation of open-pit coal mining. This bill tax grab on ordinary Albertans. was brought forward by the opposition leader after we heard from tens of thousands of concerned Albertans. Yesterday we tried to Well, Mr. Speaker, like it or not, right now most Ms Notley: ensure that this vital legislation is debated before the spring session Albertans get more back from the carbon tax than they paid, and they rises. The UCP voted down our attempt. Will the Premier admit that get to decide what to do with it. But under the federal Conservative he hopes to kill this bill by delaying debate? plan low- and middle-income Albertans will get less money and bigger government. These are the very Albertans the Premier claims Mr. Kenney: Well, no, Mr. Speaker. In fact, I understand that the to be standing up for. The Premier is spending millions to fight standing committee on private members’ business approved the against international investment firms, environmentalists, scientists, legislation to come to the floor of the Assembly, and it’s being dealt and the federal government, but when it comes to the guy he endorsed with in the normal fashion, as well it should be. I don’t understand as Conservative leader, crickets. Why the hypocrisy, Premier? why the member is objecting to the rules for private members’ The Speaker: Again I’d like to reiterate for the Leader of the business, which apply to all private members’ bills. Opposition that there are many creative ways to ask a question Ms Ganley: In addition to thousands of Albertans, Bill 214 is relevant to government policy. Asking a question about some supported by dozens of scientists at the , who federal politician certainly isn’t government policy. [interjections] wrote a letter which stated that they expect MLAs to, quote, be Mr. Kenney: Well, she’s now laughing at the chair. Mr. Speaker, a personally accountable for protecting our beautiful province and its moment ago she said that rural parents and people who do shift inhabitants, regardless of their party affiliation, and asked them to, work are, quote, a distraction, and now she’s mischaracterizing the quote, show that you take responsibility seriously by supporting the policy of a federal political party. This government repealed the movement of Bill 214 for immediate discussion in the Legislature. NDP carbon tax as our first act; promise made, promise kept. We End quote. Can the Premier explain to these scientists why he sued the federal government over their unfair tax grab, the federal wouldn’t do that or commit to bring it back as a government bill? carbon tax. Regrettably, we did not succeed, with only three justices ruling on behalf of the six aligned provinces. We are reviewing all Mr. Kenney: Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, the bill will proceed as of our options and will listen to Albertans, take onboard their advice any normal private member’s bill would. I’m not anticipating about how we can have an approach that imposes the minimal prorogation until this fall, so it has some time in this Legislature. I possible cost for . . . would point out that the previous government supported and approved both thermal and metallurgical coal mines. Suddenly 2:00 they’re like Claude Rains in Casablanca; they’re shocked to see The Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition. that there’s coal mining happening in Alberta. 4670 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021

Ms Ganley: Our position, Mr. Speaker, is clear in the bill. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Livingstone-Macleod. The Premier secretly lifted the Lougheed coal policy on the Friday of a long weekend. Then he launched a bogus consultation Mr. Reid: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the minister that doesn’t even include the ability to discuss the very things at for his response. Given that Alberta has seen five years of economic risk, land and water. What exactly are they consulting on? If this hardship and that COVID-19 caused one of the greatest economic government doesn’t have the backbone to debate our bill to protect contractions on record for our province and given that my constitu- Alberta’s land and water, will they at least include these subjects in ents have spent over a year hearing about economic devastation the consultation? If not, what message does the government think caused by the pandemic after we finally begin to recover from the it’s sending to tens of thousands of Albertans, or does the Premier disastrous policies of the former NDP government and given that just not care? news like this appears that we may be turning a corner, can the same minister tell this House whether or not Alberta is actually Mr. Kenney: Well, Mr. Speaker, perhaps the hon. member is not experiencing an economic turnaround? aware that Albertans spent the better part of a decade developing the South Saskatchewan River regional land-use plan, and there Mr. Schweitzer: Mr. Speaker, we have lots of work ahead. Here have been endless consultations, as well there should be. We now you have the NDP cheering against Alberta at every opportunity have specific consultations on coal policy, and we look forward to that they get, but look at this. Here is what the forecasts say: Alberta it and this eminent panel hearing from Albertans about their views is going to lead the country in GDP growth, job creation. Right now on how we can balance responsible resource development with the we’re seeing a rebound in commodity prices from oil and gas to protection of particularly sensitive ecosystems in the province. agriculture to lumber. We’re seeing positive indicators there from our traditional economy plus huge growth in the technology sector The Speaker: The hon. Member for Livingstone-Macleod. and film industries, the best years on record in forecasting. This is good news for Albertans. We have a bright day ahead. Technology Industry Investment in Alberta The Speaker: The Opposition House Leader. Mr. Reid: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday brought another piece of good economic news for Alberta. Amazon has made their Jobs Now Program first renewable energy investment in Canada, and they picked Ms Gray: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For months now we’ve been southern Alberta for this investment. The Calgary Herald reports asking about this government’s elusive Alberta jobs now program. that the project will create “hundreds of jobs during construction” This Premier and his ministers dragged their heels on using $185 and that “Alberta is the only open power market in the country million the federal government offered for jobs programs last year where these kinds of corporate deals can happen.” To the Minister and gambled that the feds would let Alberta use that money this of Jobs, Economy and Innovation: what does this kind of year instead. To the minister. The 2021 federal budget is now out. investment show about investor confidence in our province? Can you please inform this House whether the federal government The Speaker: The Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. provided the missing-in-action jobs now funding into 2021, and if so, where does that appear in the federal budget? Mr. Schweitzer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for that question. This might shock the NDP, but look at this. Private- The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. sector-driven investment in renewable power right here in Alberta, the only jurisdiction in the country that can attract this type of Mr. Schweitzer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our minister of labour investment, hundreds of millions of dollars, hundreds of jobs, is working diligently with his federal counterparts on our jobs now shocks the NDP. They’d rather use your taxpayer dollars for light program. Again, we’ve put this into our budget for jobs now. We bulbs, hiring people literally – literally – to put a light bulb into your want to continue to do this and deliver for Albertans, making sure house, than let the private sector do what it does best. that they can get back into the workplace.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Livingstone-Macleod. Ms Gray: Mr. Speaker, given that I’d prepared for a yes answer, a no answer but didn’t prepare for a we-don’t-know answer, I’m Mr. Reid: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that we’ve received highly concerned for unemployed Albertans in this province. Given news today that Absorb Software, a tech company based right here that the Minister of Finance made a commitment to launch his in Alberta, is receiving an investment of over $500 million from a Alberta jobs now program and put unemployed Albertans back to major U.S. private equity firm and given that this is a huge work and given that Albertans have been waiting almost half a year investment and a vote of confidence for our province, can the for that steady paycheque that a job provides, can the minister Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation tell this House what please confirm: is the $185 million extended, and when will the investments like this will do for job creation and diversification of Alberta jobs now program finally launch? our economy? 2:10 Mr. Schweitzer: Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the technology Mr. Schweitzer: Mr. Speaker, we’re talking about jobs right now sector, it’s an exciting time in the province of Alberta. The Canadian in this House, yet when Infosys announced that they were creating Venture Capital Association reports: 2018, $100 million of venture 500 jobs in Alberta, what did we hear from the NDP, the members capital in Alberta; 2019, double, $220 million; 2020, a record year, of the opposition? That right there: crickets, absolutely nothing to $455 million. Again, Alberta is becoming a player in the tech space, cheer on job creation in Alberta. We’re going to continue to work but we’re not happy with just being a player; we want to become a with the federal government on job creation. The jobs now program dominant player. We have so many companies here. They’re having is going to launch with jobs for Albertans. Again, maybe we’re a huge amount of success, with huge job opportunities for Albertans going to give the NDP an opportunity right now. Do you welcome in a diversified economy. Infosys? Do you welcome job creation in Alberta? [interjections] April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4671

The Speaker: Order. Order. to work in the two departments, and we continue to have an entire Department of Seniors and Housing, and we’re spending more than Ms Gray: Mr. Speaker, it appears this minister doesn’t realize the ever on health care, including $260 million to help continuing care federal government gave the province of Alberta $185 million to providers care for seniors. But the issue for the NDP is: why does the create jobs. Your government sat on that money and let it expire. I sign on the door of a single public servant say “Health Advocate” am asking on behalf of unemployed Albertans: is this money going and not “Seniors Advocate”? to be put to work? Right now it appears the UCP can’t put anyone back to work. Will the Minister of Finance lose $150 million in Ms Sigurdson: Given that the way seniors’ services are approached funding that could have helped unemployed Albertans? How do should be fundamentally changed as a response to COVID-19 and you have nothing to show for it right now? Where is the program? given that my bill is modelled after the B.C. Seniors Advocate, who [interjections] has done important work during the pandemic, including investigat- ing continuing care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19, this The Speaker: Order. Order. pandemic has hit seniors the hardest. Does the minister believe that the over 1,200 lives lost in continuing care warrant the creation of Mr. Schweitzer: Mr. Speaker, that was a clear opportunity for the an independent advocate? If not, please explain what exactly is NDP to welcome investment into Alberta, 500 jobs for Albertans. being done, because not a heck of a lot is being done. Where is the NDP? Crickets when it comes to private-sector investment into our province. Of course we’re going to continue to Mr. Shandro: Mr. Speaker, the focus of this government is so diligently work with the federal government on our jobs now focused on seniors throughout this pandemic that we are initiative. That’s going to happen. Again, the NDP: they can’t cheer vaccinating them as fast as possible, the first province to make sure for private-sector investment; it’s against their DNA. that all the residents in long-term care get their second dose of vaccine. That’s the focus of this government, not playing games and Seniors Advocate Act grandstanding like the . . . [interjections]

Ms Sigurdson: I’m proud that my private member’s bill to create The Speaker: Order. Order. I’m having a hard time hearing the an independent Seniors Advocate was voted to proceed from minister. committee to the Legislature. This is an important piece of The minister. legislation that I have developed in consultation with seniors to ensure that their concerns are heard. After so many seniors have Mr. Shandro: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I was saying, died from COVID-19, it is apparent that change to seniors’ care is that’s the focus of this government, making sure that those folks are needed. Over 1,200 residents in continuing care have died. Now vaccinated, investing $260 million in continuing care, and making that the bill has come to the Legislature, will the Minister of Seniors sure that the home-care providers and continuing care providers and Housing and the UCP government support it? have all the supports they need to care for our seniors. The NDP meanwhile, throughout this pandemic, grandstand about the The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Health. location of a single position in an org chart in the government.

Mr. Shandro: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said last week, The Speaker: Banff-Kananaskis has a question. our government is focused on protecting seniors in the middle of this pandemic, vaccinating them as fast as possible, supporting the Public Health Act Amendments home-care workers and the continuing care workers who provide care for many of them, and reviewing the continuing care system to Ms Rosin: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. COVID-19 has been the very make it better and safer. In the middle of the pandemic the focus for first public health emergency ever declared in the history of our the NDP is to grandstand about a single former public servant and province, and one thing we’ve learned fast is that the powers that whether they have an office called the Seniors Advocate or the are in the Public Health Act, once activated, can be very far Health Advocate and which department the advocate works in. This reaching. A little-known fact that I discovered during my time as is unfortunate behaviour that we’re going to continue to see from the deputy chair of the Public Health Act Review Committee is that the NDP. Let them behave that way; we’re going to focus on the act actually allows for forced examinations and treatments in its seniors. current form, which should concern anyone. Thankfully, Bill 66, proposed by this government, changes that. Can the Minister of Ms Sigurdson: Given that the UCP-dominated committee refused Health please tell Albertans what checks and balances are included to invite seniors to speak to how this bill would impact them and in Bill 66 to make sure that these powers are not abused? that the UCP members had a very combative tone towards the proposed legislation and given that this bill is at the bottom of the The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Health. Order Paper, I doubt this bill will be debated. This is unfortunate for the seniors counting on it. I’ve received letters, e-mails, and calls Mr. Shandro: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Checks and balances play asking for this change, and I know the government has, too. If this an important role in balancing protection of public health with bill is not debated, will the minister work with me and Alberta individual rights. Bill 66 amendments will remove all sections of seniors, who helped draft my bill, to create a Seniors Advocate as the act that allow a minister to modify legislation by order, powers soon as possible? that date back to 2002; remove unnecessary powers to order mandatory vaccinations or conscription, which date back to 1910; Mr. Shandro: Mr. Speaker, again, we continue to have an advocate and enhance individual rights by establishing that individuals must devoted to addressing the concerns of all Albertans, including be immediately informed of the location if they are going to be seniors, and connecting them to the staff either in Alberta Health or detained. Bill 66 strikes the right balance between protecting the in Seniors and Housing. All of the former staff of the Seniors health and safety of Albertans during public health emergencies and Advocate office, other than the former advocate herself, continue maintaining the rights of individuals. 4672 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Banff-Kananaskis. fact, .4 per cent. When we looked to shifting to online programming for grades 7 to 12 in Calgary and again in Fort McMurray, it was at Ms Rosin: Thank you, Speaker. Thank you, Minister. Given that the request of the school boards because they are suffering from another overreach currently in the act, as mentioned, is the ability chronic substitute teacher shortages. In fact, the school divisions to force vaccinations, which, although it has been in place for over have approached us because of those chronic shortages. 100 years, has sparked concern for many Albertans, and while I am pleased to see that Bill 66 will remove this power altogether from Ms Hoffman: Given that what the minister said yesterday is the act, many are now concerned about the threat of the possible completely untrue and given that she has already sent more than emergence of vaccine passports. Can the same Minister of Health 90,000 students home and given that student learning has been please provide information to this House and all Albertans about impacted by forced isolation due to close contacts, stress, anxiety our government’s immunization plans? and that for many an entire school has been shut down multiple times, will the minister confirm that learning has been negatively The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Health. impacted across the province as other school boards are actively considering closing schools or entire grade levels? Will she admit Mr. Shandro: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We encourage all that here and now? Albertans who are eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine. I actually joined Dr. Hinshaw this morning to be able to receive my The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education. AstraZeneca vaccine with her, and we’ve been clear that the decision on whether to get vaccinated is a personal choice. Through Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the question. We Bill 66 amendments we’re keeping our commitment to remove are so proud of the work that has gone into keeping schools open. government’s excess power to force people to get vaccinated, a Between parents and teachers and administrators and the school power that existed since 1910 I’m told by folks in the ministry. boards, everyone, superintendents I’m in constant contact with all We’re rolling out vaccines to Albertans as quickly and as safely as of our education partners who’ve worked so collaboratively – so possible. That said, vaccines will not be mandatory in Alberta, and collaboratively – to keep our schools open, and we are keeping them there are no plans for vaccine passports. open safely.

The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Hoffman: Given that a teacher wrote us in response to the minister’s ridiculous claim that learning wasn’t being affected Ms Rosin: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the saying, “We’re barely getting through the day. Students and staff minister. Well, given that the Public Health Act had gone quite are exhausted and anxious . . . We’re living [with] the effects of some time without a full review until last summer in Alberta and Covid-19 every day, and it’s draining us completely,” and given that our review committee identified many other issues within the that it’s appalling that this minister attempts to give herself a pat on act that are cause for modernization, many of which have never the back while students and staff are barely getting through the day, been enforced in Alberta but would probably be of concern if they will the minister immediately apologize for her remarks yesterday were, can the same minister please tell us what other amendments and implement any of our 18 recommendations to actually make Bill 66 proposes to protect Albertans from government overreach? schools safer and keep them open? We want action, Minister, not nice words about other people. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Health. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education. Mr. Shandro: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Public Health Act in Alberta is one of the oldest laws here in this province. We’re Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The NDP put modernizing the act to provide greater transparency during public forward a plan last year that would’ve called for 13,000 additional health emergencies such as requiring orders that apply to the public teachers that we don’t have. In fact, we’re short on substitute or to groups to be published online, establishing the qualifications teachers. The very reason that schools are having to go online is of the chief MOH, modernizing the act to reflect current and emerg- because of operational issues. Yes, in fact, there is COVID, and that ing public health challenges such as chronic illness, and requiring a is being reflected. What’s in the community is coming into the periodic review of the act every 10 years. The health and the safety schools, but the decisions to move to online have to follow four of all Albertans is and always will be top of mind for this government. criteria: the chronic substitute teacher shortage, a significant number of students and staff in quarantine or isolation, recent COVID-19 Impact on Education requests from the school board for short-term shifts for a number of schools, and substantial COVID cases in the community. Ms Hoffman: Yesterday the Education minister said, “99.6 per cent of students and staff are in schools right now, and COVID is The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-McCall is next. not affecting their learning.” Just days earlier she sent nearly 90,000 students home, Mr. Speaker. When the minister says things that Police Street Checks and Carding everyone knows are not true, she does a disservice to students, staff, families, her office, and this place. Will the minister stand here and Mr. Sabir: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this month this govern- admit to Alberta families that what she said yesterday was completely ment introduced a bill that they claim will ban carding. However, false? this bill does nothing of the sort. Instead, it creates loopholes for the 2:20 practices of carding to happen and allows broad authority for police to collect information without proper oversight. Professor Irfan The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education. Chaudhry from MacEwan University said that the bill has the Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I will admit potential to legislate racial profiling. To the minister: what action to parents and to everyone out there is that right now we have less will you take to fix your broken bill and avoid legislating racial than 1 per cent of students and staff with active cases of COVID, in profiling? April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4673

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Justice and the Solicitor choice, can the Minister of Education tell Albertan parents what General. supports are available to them right now?

Mr. Madu: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is typical NDP politics, The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Education. grandstanding. We took action to accomplish something in six months that the NDP could not accomplish in four years. We have Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The pandemic has put forward a ban on carding that is going to statutorily ban carding. been challenging for all students, including those who are home Perhaps the Member for Calgary-McCall should have addressed educated. Alberta has a long and successful history of school choice, that particular question to the Member for Calgary-Mountain View, and supporting school choice is a priority for our government. We who, despite two years consistent protest at the steps of the recognize that it is important to give home education students Legislature, could not get carding moving. We got that done. opportunities to learn from and with other students, just as students do in the classroom, during the pandemic. Some funding supports Mr. Sabir: Given that Imam Syed Soharwardy with Al Madinah are also available for those who choose to home educate. Calgary Islamic Assembly agreed and said that, and I quote, racism is getting legalized with this bill and given that Vanesa Ortiz with The Speaker: The hon. Member for Brooks-Medicine Hat. the Association of Mexicans in Calgary says that this bill will Ms Glasgo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Minister. strengthen and perpetuate institutional racism and given that Amira Given that socializing and communication are key factors in the Shousha with the National Council of Canadian Muslims said that she’s concerned about the ability to gather and retain information mental health of students as well as a significant aid in a child’s under the premise of crime-prevention activities – she said, and I education and given that many of the over 5 per cent of Alberta quote, that’s not progress – will the minister commit to consulting students who chose to home-school are often searching for these and fix this legislation? opportunities to come together during the pandemic, can the minister tell concerned parents across Alberta about the supports that may The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Solicitor exist for those who would want to ensure that socialization and General. interpersonal skills and connection remain a part of their child’s education? Mr. Madu: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the NDP is really interested in banning carding, now is the time for them to join us and The Speaker: The Minister of Education. unanimously pass Bill 63 because that is precisely what that particular bill does. We will not be lectured by the NDP on what racism and Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the carding is. I am confident that the bill that I have put forward on an member for the question. To ensure that students who are home- issue that affects the very community that I come from would address schooled do not miss out on important learning opportunities, those concerns, something that the NDP did not do in four years. we’ve allowed home education students to engage in group learning activities outside of their homes while COVID-19 restrictions are Mr. Sabir: Given that this bill does not ban carding and given that in place across the province. That is in addition to extracurricular this bill uses vague language in legislation and creates mass activities such as sports and performing arts. These groups must – confusion and given that Alberta’s community leaders have raised must – follow all health measures, just as all students in schools do. concerns and that I will be bringing forward several amendments to fix this bill after consulting with those groups, Minister, community The Speaker: The hon. member. leaders are calling that this bill is flawed. Will you accept my amendments and work with those community leaders and look into Ms Glasgo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you again, Minister, this bill? This bill doesn’t ban carding. for your response. Given that many home-schoolers have expressed to me that they feel the province’s COVID response to education Mr. Madu: Mr. Speaker, the usual NDP talk; it’s all talk. They focuses primarily on public and Catholic school systems and given talked about it for four years. They talked about carding. There were that our party was elected on a platform that would ensure and consultations for four years in this very building. They did nothing, honour a parent’s choice in education, can the same minister please and that is very typical of the NDP’s politics when it comes to race tell Albertans who exercise this choice through their decision to issues. They want to use that as a political football. We will deal home-school what supports may be available to them to assist in with the issue, and that’s exactly what we have done. [interjections] learning throughout this scary time?

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. Order. The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Education. The hon. Minister of Justice has five seconds remaining. Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On this side of the Mr. Madu: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know what? We have, House we respect parents’ choices as to which type of education through Bill 63, banned carding. The Member for Calgary-McCall they choose for their children. We provide funding for home knows that. This is their typical politics. education students supervised by a school authority. Parents may be reimbursed for the costs of instructional materials such as Home-schooling Supports workbooks, learning aids, technology, and lessons, including sports. I encourage everyone who would like more information to visit the Ms Glasgo: Mr. Speaker, home-schooling is growing as an home education page on alberta.ca. educational choice for many Albertans, and many Brooks-Medicine Thank you. Hat residents have decided to pursue this alternative form of learning. I speak with many of them regularly. According to the 2020-2021 2:30 Racism and Hate Promotion Prevention school year enrolment numbers over 25,000 Alberta students enrolled in a home-learning program in the Alberta Homeschooling Mr. Dang: Last Monday the Legislature passed my motion to Association. With so many families exercising this educational condemn hate symbols here in Alberta. Despite the government 4674 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 patting themselves on the back, we know that they’ve taken no Bill 47 action, done nothing but point to months-old statements, and just continue to stand by. The government is doing nothing to prevent Mr. Nielsen: On April 1 this government’s changes to OHS and people from continuing to display these harmful symbols in public WCB came into effect under the guise of red tape reduction. In the in Alberta. To the minister: what tangible action will the govern- weeks since three Albertans have died on work sites. In Edmonton ment take now to ensure that these hate symbols are no longer two workers were injured while servicing an excavator, with one of allowed in public? those workers succumbing to his injuries. In Calgary a contractor was crushed by a slab of concrete, and a bus driver was run over Mr. Madu: Mr. Speaker, you know, here we go again. There is no while inspecting the vehicle. Three Albertans went to work and question that this side of the aisle has continuously condemned never returned. Changes to OHS removes the requirements for racist symbols, but what we will not do is play politics with as these deaths to be reported and accounted for annually. To the important an issue as racism and discrimination. We have all minister of labour: can you please enlighten this House on why it’s condemned that, and I will continue, as long as I have the honour no longer necessary to report these deaths? of being the Minister of Justice, to do that to ensure that we build a province where anyone that calls our province home can be Mr. Schweitzer: Mr. Speaker, our minister of labour is continuing respected and live their life in dignity. to work diligently with our OH and S to make sure that we have safe work environments across this province. Again, it’s important The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-South. for us to make sure that we have those protocols in place to ensure that all Albertans, when they go to workplaces, can come back Mr. Dang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that the minister didn’t home from a safe environment. Our minister of labour is diligently even speak to the motion and indeed this minister actually seems to working on this as well in collaboration with health officials where only be able to repeat redundant talking points and given that required and necessary. allowing people to display swastikas and other hateful symbols in Thank you, Mr. Speaker. public only emboldens those who would seek to spread hate and terrorize Albertans in their own communities and given that we Mr. Nielsen: Why no reporting? have seen violent attacks on Muslim women in Edmonton and Given that every workplace injury and death is preventable and Calgary in recent weeks, attacks that this Premier still has yet to given that OHS and WCB laws exist to protect workers, establish condemn, to the minister. These symbols of hate are more than just responsibility, provide fair compensation for injury, and improve symbols. They generate fear and lead to horrible acts of violence. practices and given that Bill 47 weakened, not improved, safety for Will you act to ban hate symbols, and what other support is being workers and Alberta workers should not have to pay the price for provided to the victims of the attacks? employers who don’t want to do the right thing, to the same minister: is cutting red tape really worth risking the lives of Albertans? Mr. Madu: You know, Mr. Speaker, the Premier and myself and the members on this side of the aisle have at every opportunity Mr. Schweitzer: Mr. Speaker, we’re going to continue to have the condemned those racist actions against those minority vulnerable right frameworks in place here in Alberta to make sure we have safe women. But for four years what did the NDP do? Absolutely work environments. I think this goes to the tone of that question nothing. In fact, before the floor of this House they ridiculed the right there. It appeared to me when the person read that question – Member for Calgary-West for trying to get them to move carding again, they’re reading that question – is that they don’t trust along. The Hansard record will show that. We will not play employers at all. Every single employer I know wants to make sure political football with an important issue that affects Albertans. that their employees are safe in the work environment. We’re going to continue to make sure we have the right regulations in place, the Mr. Dang: Given that my question had nothing to do with carding, right safety protocols in place right here in Alberta. [interjections] yet this minister continues to play political football and given that the minister of multiculturalism said, “This is about real action, and Mr. Nielsen: You should hang out with me. it’s time for us all to stand up together collectively,” when debating Given that the changes of OHS and WCB were pushed through my motion against hate symbols and given that I agree with that by this government in the fall without due consideration or debate minister – we need real, tangible effort from this government if we and given that these changes include removing workplace safety are hoping to make a difference – and given that voting through a committees, removing the requirement for workplace fatality reports, motion without action is just the same as hoping it will go away, to removing worker participation in injury and death investigations, the minister. Tell Albertans right here, right now, people who have removing presumptive coverage for PTSD, removing access to been targeted time and time again for their ethnicity or race: what benefits for workers and surviving families, and much more, to the is this government doing to prevent another racist torch rally on the same minister: what is this government actually doing to improve steps of this building? safety for workers? Give me one example. How does a government build an economic strategy without any support for workers and Mr. Madu: Mr. Speaker, we have taken action, and we will continue safe workplaces? to take action. We banned carding in November 2020. We have followed through with Bill 63. We are reviewing the Police Act to Mr. Schweitzer: Mr. Speaker, again, throughout this pandemic our make sure that interactions between law enforcement and members minister of labour, the Health team as well have worked diligently to of our community are courteous and respectful. We appointed a make sure that we have safe work environments across this province. special adviser to the government of Alberta from the cultural Again, this question that’s coming in here: it’s typical for the NDP. community to help with the Police Act review. We are taking action. Very loaded question. They don’t trust employers. They don’t trust Again, so long as I have the honour of being the Minister of Justice, people that care about their employees as well. We’re making sure we will continue to make progress to advance prosperity and equity that we put in place the right measures here in Alberta to create safe for all. work environments. Again, I asked this question to another NDP April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4675

member. Why aren’t they welcoming investment into Alberta and job 2:40 creation in this province? We’re focused on that as well. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Transportation and Municipal The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Fish Creek. Affairs. Mr. McIver: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker and to the member. Land Development and Home-building Industries Based on 2020 data, residential construction involved about 12 and Mr. Gotfried: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The residential land a half billion dollars in capital investment and supported about development and home-building industries have gratefully proven 90,000 jobs across Alberta. That’s equivalent to Airdrie and Leduc to be incredibly resilient throughout this pandemic. However, there if every resident in those communities worked in the home-building remains a lot of uncertainty around increased costs for new invest- industry. It’s an enormous contribution to Alberta’s economy, and ment due to provincial and municipal policy, much of it related to it doesn’t go unrecognized. Our government is committed to off-site levies and city charters. To the Minister of Municipal Affairs: reducing red tape and promoting job creation. Again, the building, are we looking at these policies and other ways to remove uncertainty, construction industry: we consider it essential. We still do. We’ll to enhance housing affordability, and to spur further investment and keep working for them. They provide the homes that Albertans need job creation in one of Alberta’s most important sectors? now and will in the future, and we won’t forget that.

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and The Speaker: Hon. members, that concludes the time allotted for Municipal Affairs. Oral Question Period. In 30 seconds or less we will return to the remainder of the daily Mr. McIver: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to the member about the Routine. question. I join the member in acknowledging the resilience of the residential land development and home-building industries and the head: Tabling Returns and Reports very many jobs and opportunities that they create every day for Albertans and have done so for a long time. I can confirm that we are The Speaker: Are there tablings? happy to work with this very important industry. We must make sure Ms Rosin: I have a tabling for the Clerk. that the rules and regulations are in place to be reasonable, and we have to balance the costs with what they deliver. We have to protect The Speaker: My guess is that you actually want a tabling, not a both municipalities and industry, and we’re working hard to do that. tabling to the Clerk.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Fish Creek. Ms Rosin: Yes.

Mr. Gotfried: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that the land The Speaker: So the hon. Member for Banff-Kananaskis, followed development and home-building industries have managed to protect by Edmonton-Glenora. many jobs with continued and arguably risky investments throughout the pandemic and given that one of the most immediate challenges Ms Rosin: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, last night I had the facing them is a rapid increase in the cost of material inputs, perhaps opportunity to give a very eloquent speech on the pervasive issue attributable in some instances to pandemic-related production and of human feces in the backcountry of Waiparous. I cited a document transportation challenges, to the minister: is there anything we can written by the Ghost Watershed Alliance titled Recreational Issues do as a government to help address this concerning trend and in the Ghost Watershed – A Focus on Random Camping and resultant impact on housing affordability? Shooting: Then, Now, and Next. With that, I would like to table the requisite number of copies. Mr. McIver: Well, one of the things we did, Mr. Speaker, is that we made sure that construction workers were considered essential The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Glenora. so that the industry could go on providing the buildings and materials that Albertans needed. Our government is focused on Ms Hoffman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I have here for encouraging economic growth through stimulus, especially in the tabling again today many pieces of correspondence from people private sector. We’ve seen investment in job creation, like Absorb who are incredibly frustrated with the curriculum process. Many of Software of Calgary, valued at $500 million, in a deal announced these folks are putting their feedback through the survey but today. Economic growth and creation will make it easier for wanting to ensure that it actually is reported somewhere, so they’re Albertans to get past the pandemic. The important construction and sending it to me to table in this House, and I do so today. building industry is central to that, and this government is working Thank you. with them. The Speaker: Are there others? The Speaker: The hon. member. Hon. members, there were no points of order today. As such, we are at Ordres du jour. Mr. Gotfried: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the minister. Again, given that land development and home-building head: Orders of the Day industries are not only big investors in our economy but also deliver much-needed housing stock across the housing continuum and head: Government Bills and Orders given that these industries are significant contributors to provincial Second Reading GDP historically and through this pandemic, to the minister: can Bill 62 you please share with Albertans how many jobs the residential Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2021 building industry supported across this province during 2020 and how we might help to sustain this much-needed employment The Speaker: The hon. the Associate Minister of Red Tape creation going forward? Reduction. 4676 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021

Mr. Hunter: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to move second Alberta’s real estate industry. This builds on the work that’s already reading of Bill 62, the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, been done this past year when the government worked closely with 2021. real estate professionals to establish a new governance model that Bill 62 reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to reduce included elected councils representing specific sectors of the real red tape. It moves us that much closer to our goal of a one-third estate industry. reduction across government by 2023. To put it another way, Mr. Another change in Bill 62 enables government to establish Speaker, when we are finished, we will have removed over 223,000 maximum timelines for Alberta Utilities Commission proceedings red tape hoops that Albertans and our job creators had to jump if necessary, including decision timelines for new power plants or through in the past. The changes we are making are common-sense setting electricity transmission and distribution rates. These approaches and are designed to get out of the way of our job amendments will reduce industry costs associated with delayed creators, allowing them to do what they do best, create jobs and approvals and decisions, but it’s important to note, Mr. Speaker, jump-start our economy. that this will not prevent ratepayers or other interested parties from Mr. Speaker, almost two years ago we set out on a bold path to participating in AUC proceedings. However, more predictable help make Alberta the freest and fastest moving economy in North approval times will support economic recovery and growth by America. In order to do that, we needed to identify how deep the providing more certainty for job creators looking to invest in the problem was. A good quote I like to use is: you can’t manage what province’s natural gas, wind, or solar generation. you don’t measure. Right away we got straight to work to count all This bill also proposes to expand Travel Alberta’s mandate, regulatory requirements in Alberta. We documented requirements giving the agency a more active role in working directly with found in all statutes, regulations, forms, and policies for govern- communities and businesses to develop new tourism destination ment departments and all agencies, boards, and commissions. This products and experiences in Alberta. This change will make Travel number is what we refer to as the baseline count of the regulatory Alberta a one-stop shop, a full destination management organization requirements. The effort was monumental, and the result was that will assure programs and services previously provided by Jobs, sobering. Economy and Innovation. This will better support the ongoing We found out that Albertans were saddled with almost 670,000 development and growth of the tourism industry in the province and regulatory hoops that they were required to jump through on a daily help drive Alberta’s economic recovery. basis. I am proud to say that in the first two years we have been able Bill 62 also proposes to continue to modernize Alberta’s security to remove over 107,000 red tape pinch points. This means that we laws and ensure that they remain harmonized, where appropriate, have exceeded our goal of a 12 per cent reduction for the fiscal year, with other Canadian jurisdictions. These proposed changes also achieving an overall reduction of over 16 per cent. It also means enhance existing protections for investors and expand opportunities that we are well on our way to meeting or exceeding our commitment for companies to raise capital more efficiently in Alberta. They will of a one-third reduction by 2023. achieve this by reducing costs for corporations associated with But the most important thing, Mr. Speaker, is that our successes applying individually for certain exemptions while also eliminating have put us well on the way to making Alberta more efficient to the up to 60-day waiting period for exemption approvals. attract investment. As we have seen in the past, when people invest In addition, an amendment to the Employment Standards Code in Alberta, good jobs accompany those investments. Bill 62, the will maintain the requirement for employers to record daily work Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2021, will make it easier hours of their employees but will no longer prescribe the frequency for businesses to operate by clarifying rules, streamlining approvals of recording. This will save time for employers who manually and processes, and reducing unnecessary costs. record hours of work each day, particularly for schedules that don’t Changes to eight pieces of legislation across six different tend to change, and will allow employers to continue using their ministries will save time and money for businesses, job creators, existing payroll practices using a schedule that best fits their needs. and all Albertans. These amendments support economic growth for Finally, there are changes being made to Justice’s legislation our innovators and our job creators. Now more than ever it is relating to wills and succession laws and to the division of family important that we continue to cut red tape and make it as easy as property. Updates to the Family Property Act will ensure that a possible for businesses to expand and create jobs. beneficiary or family member of a deceased spouse or partner One of the ways we will support this is through changes to the cannot make a claim against the property or money that has already Builders’ Lien Act, which would support construction businesses been given to the living spouse or partner, which will save by clarifying how prompt-payment rules apply to public-private Albertans time and money dealing with these claims in court. partnerships. Other important amendments include allowing Changes to the Fatal Accidents Act will allow for online posting of prompt-payment rules to be extended to professional consultants, the government report that reviews the amounts of bereavement contractors such as those for engineers and architects; changing damages that can be claimed by the families of Albertans who died adjudication decisions from final and binding to interim and from fatal accidents, which will ensure that the information is more binding; and allowing electronic sharing of the certificate of quickly and easily accessible. substantial performance. These changes continue the work that began with the passage of Bill 37, Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) 2:50 Amendment Act, 2020, which received royal assent in December This concludes my overview of Bill 62, Mr. Speaker, the Red 2020. The current amendments being proposed are intended to Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2021, but I want to leave you address issues raised by construction industry stakeholders during with this. Reducing unnecessary red tape is a key component of ongoing consultation around the regulations. Alberta’s recovery plan, which takes bold action to create jobs and [Mr. Milliken in the chair] get Albertans back to work, build infrastructure, and diversify our economy. We are working hard to deliver on our commitment to This bill will also clarify the criteria, terms, and election reduce red tape to save Albertans time and money and to become processes for the board of the Real Estate Council of Alberta and the freest and fastest moving economy in North America, and we industry councils, which will ensure more effective governance for will continue to respond to the ideas we hear from Albertans about April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4677 how government can further reduce red tape, making life easier for could be a component around maintenance. Why potentially were Albertans and Alberta job creators. they excluded from this piece of legislation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess one of the other final comments I have, seeing as how we’re already making changes now to a bill that doesn’t seem to be The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. Associate Minister. in effect – well, is that bill in effect? Is Bill 37 ever going to be Are there any members looking to join debate? I see the hon. proclaimed or granted royal assent? Are companies obliged to work Member for Edmonton-Decore has risen. under that currently, right now? Then we’ve got changes to the Business Corporations Act and Mr. Nielsen: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Appreciate the opportunity this afternoon to, I guess, add some additional comments the Securities Act. Normally when we’ve seen these kinds of around the opening discussions of Bill 62, the Red Tape Reduction changes come forward, they’ve come through a statutes amendment Implementation Act, 2021. You know, I hate to say this, but it just act, because I do understand that when there are changes to federal seems like every bill that the minister brings forward – it seems like legislation around that, provinces have to keep up with that. Why there are components that are simple hand-me-downs from other didn’t we see some of these changes from the minister of Treasury ministries, either changes that could be addressed through statute and Finance around a statutes amendment act? Again, it’s kind of amendment acts, or where we do see some more substantial pieces, looking like just a little bit of a hand-me-down to try to look like they really should be getting led by the ministries themselves. But the red tape ministry is doing some work. You know, maybe the I guess when you’re looking at trying to justify spending 10 and a associate minister can explain how some of these changes that are half million dollars on an associate ministry over the course of four being proposed are reducing red tape. Would these changes still be years, you better look like you’re doing something. made if there wasn’t an associate ministry of red tape reduction, or You know, it was interesting. In some of the opening comments would, say, for instance, Treasury Board still have gone ahead with talking about all the great work the minister has been up to and these kinds of changes? patting themselves on the back for how much they’ve been cutting, That brings me now to the changes around the Employment that in between, of course, either giving out plaques to their Standards Code. When I hear about reductions about recording colleagues about all the great work they’ve been doing or not hitting hours, I must admit that I start to get a little bit nervous. Maybe their own targets, I understand the associate ministry is behind by reducing the frequency is not necessarily a bad thing, but not about 60 per cent or so on those targets. prescribing it at all is cause for concern because what happens, then, Despite all of that, as the minister said, we do have some changes if an employer only does it once a year? Technically speaking, if across multiple ministries. I’ll probably go quickly through them it’s done once a year and it’s even done on the same day, that would because my time is short, and I know that second reading is not be considered regular reporting. What happens to the other 364 days always the best place to be able to get some of the answers to those. if an employee does run into a problem around hours and there’s a I understand that, so hopefully, you know, not presupposing the dispute involved? decision of the House, I assume we’ll get an opportunity to maybe I’m wondering: what was the logic of this change, and what did explore some of those questions more thoroughly through you hear back from employees on this? I know there’s certainly a Committee of the Whole. big focus on employers and reducing red tape and making this, you When I see some of the changes around the Alberta Utilities know, a fast-moving economy and all that. Don’t make changes at Commission Act, of course, one of my initial comments was about the expense of hard-working Albertans. What is being done, government, I guess, getting involved in the timeline decision. You though, to ensure that these hours are tracked regularly? Simply know, I guess I get a little nervous on there. I wonder: will there be removing that and then saying, “Yeah, we’re done; we’ve reduced due diligence? Or will it simply be that we think this is taking too red tape”: I don’t think you’ve done your homework on that, so I’m long, that you need to make a decision now? Yeah, we realize that hoping to see a little bit more substance and explanation around you haven’t done your due diligence and explored all the potential why maybe some of that has happened. – what’s the favourite word? – unintended consequences, I believe And if indeed you do run across a situation where an employer is it is, so just make that decision. Hopefully, we’ll see a little bit more not tracking the hours, is being difficult when a dispute arises, discussion around that as we move forward. what’s the plan to deal with that when it comes up? I know it’s Moving on to the builders’ lien prompt payment now, I have to going to come up. The experience that I’ve had over my time in wonder. The original bill itself, Bill 37, hasn’t even come into force labour: it comes up, especially even when you’re dealing with an yet, and we’re already seeing changes to it, so I’m wondering: what employer under a unionized contract that consistently has scheduling has been the feedback around those compared to when it was problems, payroll problems. The one I’m thinking of: there are even originally introduced? Now, certainly, saying that prompt payment fines in the contract to the employer when they don’t live up to these was definitely much needed in the province – you know, I think expectations. Do I have faith in most employers? Sure. Do I have earlier in question period, the Minister of Jobs, Economy and faith in absolutely every single one? No, because I’ve seen too Innovation and whatnot asked me why I don’t trust employers and many problems going forward. whatnot. Well, because sometimes these employers don’t promptly Hopefully, we’ll see a little bit of explanation around that, which pay their bills when creating projects, among a host of other things brings us to the Family Property Act. I guess I could take in also the that we’re not going to be discussing here right now around Bill 62. Fatal Accidents Act. Again, could these changes have been done This is one of the components. simply through a statutes amendment? Why maybe did the Justice I’m wondering why the Minister of Service Alberta is not minister not present around the Family Property Act? Again, was it carrying this. These are some significant changes, and I know the simply a hand-me-down in order to be able to justify to Albertans minister is very, very involved around prompt payment. So we’re kind of wondering a little bit about what’s going on there. I did 10 and a half million dollars of their money being spent over the notice within the legislation, when they were adding things like P3s course of the term? I guess the question around the fatal – what red and whatnot, with some of the initial discussions that I’ve heard tape was holding up reporting being done online, and how has that wondering why – okay. You’re putting professionals in, but there benefited the Alberta economy? 4678 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021

3:00 The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. You know, could tablings not be done online and then some kind Are there any members wishing to join debate? I see the hon. of notice that it’s just going to be tabled here in the House? Member for Livingstone-Macleod has risen. Hopefully, we’ll see some answers around that a little bit. Mr. Reid: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to rise today That then brings me to the Real Estate Act. Definitely, some and speak in support of Bill 62 in second reading, the Red Tape significant changes there. Again I’m wondering why the Minister Reduction Implementation Act, 2021. I would like to thank the of Service Alberta is not leading on this, especially given everything Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction for his work on this bill that’s going on. Some of the initial consultations that I’ve heard and for his steadfast determination to reduce red tape across the around this is that there’s been a lack of consultation on this topic. province. Intentionality, I think, is the key. The work of the associate It’s a little bit more, as I like to say, consul-told rather than consult. minister and this government is bearing fruit as the province has There’s potentially some imbalance that could be going on. My already reduced red tape by 15 per cent, which is appealing to understanding is that, you know, you might have industries that investors and job creators from across Canada and around the maybe, sort of, kind of, could be placed under the real estate world. It is great to see that after many years of receiving a failing umbrella, but not so much, and then maybe grouping together a grade, Alberta has received an A on its 2020 report card on red tape couple of different industries, and they don’t really necessarily reduction from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. know what’s going on in one or the other. So if you only have one Thank you, Minister, for your great work. representative from that one industry, you’re excluding the other Bill 62 continues this important work of reducing red tape, one for a period of time, and then all of a sudden maybe even roles especially for job creators. It is no secret, Mr. Speaker, that rural could be reversed, and now you’re excluding the other one. Albertans hate red tape. There’s no farmer, no roughneck, or no I’m interested to hear a little bit about what was heard back from small-business owner that relishes the thought of their operations all of those industries that are finding themselves under the changes being shackled by unnecessary burdens. That does not mean that there. What process was done to ensure that industry did actually rural Albertans are hostile to regulations. It’s just that we do not like approve of all these changes? Hopefully, we’ll be hearing from the unnecessary regulations that create inefficiencies and additional Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction about the things that he costs. Reducing unnecessary red tape is a fundamental component heard around these changes, because if indeed he’s going to lead on of Alberta’s recovery plan, and it is what will make Alberta the best this, he should be able to answer the questions that are going to place in North America to do business. Bill 62 amends eight pieces of legislation from six different come up inevitably with this. ministries: Energy; Service Alberta; Jobs, Economy and Innovation; Of course, it does seem that the minister is receiving a lot more Labour and Immigration; Justice; and the Treasury Board and power out of this. And I know that members of the government Finance. The first amendment that I would like to speak on is in bench, members of the government caucus that served in the 29th regard to the Travel Alberta Act. The travel and tourism industry is Legislature had significant problems any time it seemed that the an important one in my riding of Livingstone-Macleod. As I previous NDP government was giving more authority to the mentioned yesterday in the House, we have beautiful parks, breath- minister. Here we are: roles reversed. Did you actually believe that taking hiking trails, and a diversity of geography that you don’t see back at the time? What’s the change of heart? Why is it now okay in most constituencies in Alberta. As the pandemic fades away in to be doing these kinds of things? the coming months, international and domestic tourism will Finally, we’re seeing changes around the Travel Alberta Act. increase and will be a key component of our economic recovery. To You know, this one appears not necessarily to be of concern. ensure that our tourism industry thrives once more, we must Hopefully, my friend from Edmonton-Castle Downs will have a streamline the process that will help businesses receive support and little bit more to say on this, probably later in the debate, about how services. this will help the industry, what could be holding it back, things like Amendments within Bill 62 will expand Travel Alberta’s mandate, that. Again, not necessarily a negative change here, but I would like which is currently focused on tourism marketing and promotion. to see a little bit from that. These amendments will enable the agency to become a full Overall, you know, I’m interested in the discussion moving destination management organization and assume programs and forward on this. I haven’t come to the decision yet, whether I’m services that were previously provided by the Ministry of Jobs, prepared to support Bill 62. I’d like to get some of the answers back Economy and Innovation. This reduction of red tape will support to the questions that I’ve proposed. I really do want to hear from the the development and growth of the province’s tourism industry and various ministers about why they felt that these components, see a vibrant tourism industry return to the province. If this bill especially the prompt payment, especially the real estate changes, passes, tourism businesses will only have to go to Travel Alberta why they felt that it was okay to place these within the Associate for the programs and services that they require instead of to both, Ministry of Red Tape Reduction rather than keeping them within Travel Alberta and the ministry. This change will remove their own ministries, where if concerns come forward once this is duplication and confusion over the rules of Travel Alberta and the implemented, they would be answering the questions. We’ve kind government department. The agency will take on a more active role of seen in the past where once this is done, somebody would call up by working directly with communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs maybe the ministry and say, “What’s going on with this?” and to develop new tourism destinations, products, and experiences in immediately a finger gets pointed somewhere else: well, you need Alberta. to go and talk to them. It kind of seems like increased red tape, a Bill 62 will also make amendments to the Builders’ Lien Act. Last year the Legislature passed the Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) little bit, around that. Amendment Act, 2020, which established prompt payment rules I am looking forward to the rest of the debate here on Bill 62, and introduced an adjudication process. Bill 62 will amend the obviously, more appropriately, in Committee of the Whole, when Builders’ Lien Act to clarify that these rules apply to public-private we get a chance to get some of these answers to the questions. I look partnerships, also known as P3s, with the exception of P3s forward to seeing what we hear, Mr. Speaker. governed by the Public Works Act. This clarification will save time April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4679 and effort for construction businesses to determine which payment legislation were not amended or created that long ago, Mr. Speaker. rules apply to their projects, whether a business is in contravention In the instance of the Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment of the rules, and what collection remedies are available for late Act, 2020, we haven’t even begun to see if that process was going payment. to work in the first place, yet here we are amending that legislation. There will also be amendments to the Builders’ Lien Act that It’s frustrating for myself and for stakeholders in the community change adjudication decisions to interim and binding rather than and in industry to be already considering amendments. final and binding. This approach reduces the risk and cost for parties The more frustrating part for me, Mr. Speaker, is that, first of all, involved in disputes by allowing them to take the matter to the the Minister of Service Alberta isn’t the one handling the consultation courts or to arbitration if they are not satisfied with the adjudicator’s process, as far as we can tell, on this and the amendment process. decision. Prompt payment rules will also be extended to The fact is that within his role as the minister he is the one that has professional consultant contracts such as engineers and architects. these relationships and is building these relationships, so if indeed I’m happy to see this change because it will enable consulting these amendments to that act are coming forward because of businesses to receive timely payment for their work and access to a consultations that he’s continued to do, then I truly don’t understand faster and less costly adjudication process for payment disputes. why the Minister of Service Alberta isn’t the one bringing these These amendments will also allow for electronic sharing of the changes forward. certificates of substantial performance, which will reduce the need I would echo the comments once again of the Member for for various parties to visit each job site to view the notice. Edmonton-Decore, that it seems that this government is looking for 3:10 any way to justify the fact that they are spending such a large amount of money on an associate minister who is really just taking Bill 62 amends the Alberta Utilities Commission Act by enabling on the job of what ministers should already be doing in their own cabinet to set formal timelines through regulation to improve the portfolios. That’s frustrating, Mr. Speaker. Alberta Utilities Commission approval processes. This will allow When we look at the amendments to the Builders’ Lien (Prompt for a more predictable and a shorter tariff rate approval time for Payment) Amendment Act, we see that it’s being amended to allow transmission and distribution operators, resulting in faster prompt payment to be expanded to P3s for municipal and approvals of new power plants, which will, in turn, provide more postsecondary projects, and this is something that we should be certainty for job creators looking to invest in natural gas, wind, or willing to consider. But I really don’t understand why we are in a solar power generation. situation where we are coming back so quickly or so promptly, Mr. Mr. Speaker, this bill is great for the job creators in our province. Speaker, to amend these pieces of legislation that just came forward It provides an environment with more certainty, which reduces the such a short amount of time ago. risks that these job creators take on to keep the economy of our The fact is that it really is the government admitting that they got province moving forward. It will allow employers to record the it wrong the first time around, so here we are amending this hours of their employees using a schedule that best fits their needs legislation so shortly after it was brought in in the first place. I by repealing the Employment Standards Code requirements that appreciate that we’ll have more opportunities to speak to some of employers record their employees’ hours of work daily. those changes, but I am concerned that even with what we’re seeing This bill does not just improve our business environment; it also here, we’re going to be back here in a short period of time amending reduces red tape on the processes that deal with the more negative the legislation again because they didn’t get it right the second time. or sadder side of life. Bill 62 reduces red tape by replacing outdated That’s very concerning. references to repealed wills and succession in the Family Property When we look at changes to the Real Estate Act that we’re seeing Act and by amending the Fatal Accidents Act to have reports tabled in this legislation, once again I would ask why the Minister of electronically, which allows impacted families easy access to the Service Alberta isn’t taking these issues forward and isn’t being the report without having to visit the Legislature Library. lead on these issues. These are some very important changes that Mr. Speaker, reducing red tape is good for business, it’s good for we’re seeing in here in terms of the power dynamic of the council job creators, and it’s good for everyday Albertans. It reduces and industry stakeholders. unnecessary burdens and creates a more efficient and effective job It wasn’t long ago – you might remember, Mr. Speaker – that this environment, and that’s why I invite all members of this House to legislation was before the House. The fact is that when we were in join me in supporting this bill. government, we saw some very concerning trends when it came to Thank you. how that council was being administered or potentially managed, The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. so we had conducted a review of RECA in October 2018, after Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available. hearing numerous complaints about that issue. Of course, that Seeing none, are there any members – I see the hon. Member for KPMG report was released on June 28, 2019. We had the Service Edmonton-West Henday has risen to join debate. Alberta minister not a long time ago once again bringing forward amendments to that legislation and changes to how the council acts Mr. Carson: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise and their ability to make bylaws, potentially, or change the way that this afternoon to speak to Bill 62, the Red Tape Reduction the dynamics work there. Implementation Act, 2021, and I have appreciated the conversation Unfortunately, while the government at the time was supported, that we’ve had so far this afternoon. I would echo the thoughts of I believe, to some extent by industry stakeholders in the changes my colleague from Edmonton-Decore, that, once again, we have a that they made for the minister to have more power to administer piece of legislation before us that is amending several different things like bylaws, now we see what I would call a substantial pieces of legislation. change and potentially even a one-eighty in terms of how the That’s concerning, first and foremost, because when we consider government and the minister are going to allow the Real Estate things like changes to the Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Council to administer bylaws. I’m hearing quite clearly from the Amendment Act, 2020, or changes to the Real Estate Act, that we industry that they’re very concerned and from stakeholders that see within this legislation, the fact is that both of these pieces of they’re concerned about the changes that we’re seeing here. 4680 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021

It wasn’t long ago, once again, that the minister took on these information. We’ve now actioned much of that information and important powers to try and strengthen the relationship of industry recommendations. stakeholders in regard to real estate, and unfortunately what we’re The other thing that I wanted to say, Mr. Speaker, is that I have seeing here is a massive change in how they’re able to create and heard them complain about the budget that we have. Let’s be clear. administer bylaws. I’m hearing once again, Mr. Speaker, from Rather than addressing the historical, you know, creating history industry stakeholders that this is likely the wrong direction, that this when it isn’t there, the reality is this. We did not set up a separate isn’t the position that we should be taking, and they’re asking that ministry. Our ministry is actually under Treasury Board and we put a complete pause, as far as I can tell, on the changes that Finance. In other words, we took some of the resources that were we’re seeing in here. already there. We reallocated those resources in order to be able to I will continue those consultations, most definitely, but I think address red tape reduction. We have not spent any extra money in it’s frustrating that, as far as I can tell, the minister doesn’t seem to being able to reduce 107,000 pinch points to date and a 33 per cent be listening to the concerns of those stakeholders, doesn’t seem to reduction in four years. We will spend no extra money on that, and be interested in fulsome consultations, which would result in better the members opposite, when they say, “Why would Albertans be legislation, at the end of the day. willing to spend an extra $10.5 million?” are not correct, and the With that, I imagine I’ll have more comments on this, but at this members know it. They know that it is falling underneath Treasury time I think that it’s important that we pause and take a look at Board and Finance. That is called an associate ministry. We fall exactly what the government is proposing in regard to the changes under Treasury Board and Finance. to the Real Estate Act. Thank you. They can continue with the narrative that there is no good happening, but talk to any Albertan out there, Mr. Speaker, and they The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. will tell you many, many times how grateful they are for the Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available. purposeful efforts of this government to be able to get out of the way of regular Albertans and our job creators to let them do what Mr. Hunter: Mr. Speaker, I hope to be able to provide some clarity on some of the speaking points that members opposite have they do best: jump-start the economy and get Albertans back to provided this Assembly. First of all, we’ve heard for two years now work. Our end goal is to be the freest, fastest moving economy in members opposite complain about our approach to stand up an North America. Associate Ministry of Red Tape Reduction. I will remind the The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. members that in any jurisdiction around the world that we have Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available, with about 20 seconds. studied, in every jurisdiction that has had a material effect on Seeing none, are there any members looking to join debate? I see reducing regulatory burden on their job creators or on their people, the hon. Member for Calgary-East. they have stood up a person or a small ministry in order to be able to address the issue. It has to be purposeful, it has to be done by Mr. Singh: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this wonderful opportunity someone driving the process, and this is what the Premier has today to speak here on the important topic and concerns around Bill recognized and that the government has recognized, that there has 62, the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2021. I would like to be someone driving the process. That was my role. to applaud the Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction for I had actually been quite passionate about this. I come from tabling amendments to eight pieces of legislation from six business, Mr. Speaker. This is something that I’ve lived. I’ve ministries during this spring sitting and would like to extend my recognized the burden on small businesses, and there is a appreciation to all Albertans that have supported it to protect job disproportionate effect on small businesses when it comes to red creators and to protect workers in the province. tape. As we all know, the pandemic brought world-wide economic 3:20 impact at the same time that oil prices struggled, which really made I wanted to just remind the members, and I’ve said this before, things difficult in our province, so there is really a need to find ways Mr. Speaker, that when it comes to actually achieving something – to somehow lighten the burdens that businesses face, brought by both the speakers from the opposite side that have spoken so far our legislation and regulations but without impeding the safeguards, have said that there is no reason to do this. But let’s just take a look to conduct business in Alberta. This bill ensures that business at history. History always teaches us. Hindsight is always 20/20 owners, investors, and Albertans have the ability to efficiently vision, so let’s take a look at it. become part of Alberta’s growing economy. This is a part of our Take a look at our record, what we’ve accomplished in two years platform to reduce unnecessary procedures by one-third, that is versus what the NDP have accomplished in four years. Mr. Speaker, required under legislation and regulations, and at the same time to I humbly submit to you and to this Assembly that the hon. members reduce governmental cost and speed up approvals while adapting to have done nothing when it comes to red tape reduction. They did modern and smarter ways of maintaining consumer protections. not set up an associate ministry or a ministry of red tape reduction, Jobs, Economy and Innovation’s Travel Alberta Act. Amendments and because of that, there was no purposeful effort on their part to to the Travel Alberta Act will expand the mandate, currently do anything in terms of reducing regulatory burden. focused on tourism marketing and promotion, to enable the agency On the other hand, in two years we have been able to reduce to become a full destination management organization and to almost half of the regulatory burden that Albertans have to face on assume programs and services previously provided by the a regular basis, the hoops that Albertans have to jump through. We Department of Jobs, Economy and Innovation to better support the have cut the strings that bind our job creators and innovators in development and growth of the tourism industry in Alberta. This Alberta to the tune of 107,000 of those strings that are stopping the will make Travel Alberta all-inclusive in the delivery of programs progress of Albertans, the progress of innovation, the progress of and services to support the growth and economic recovery of not-for-profit organizations. We’ve stood up nine industry panels Alberta’s tourism industry, removing duplication and confusion that address these things right from the trenches. These are the over the roles of Travel Alberta. The government department is also people that actually live it daily. They’ve given us fantastic unnecessary to ensure the agency will take on a more active role April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4681 working directly with communities, businesses, entrepreneurs to amendment act will enhance existing protections for investors and develop new tourism destination products and experiences in Alberta. the ability for companies to raise capital more efficiently in our Labour and Immigration’s Employment Standards Code. The province. The proposed amendments will support and facilitate the Employment Standards Code as well will be amended to repeal the continued modernization of Alberta’s securities laws and ensure provision that requires employers to record the hours of work of they’re synchronized with the securities law of other Canadian their employees daily. Despite the amendments to the code, jurisdictions. This is consistent with the practice of enacting similar employers will still be required to record daily work hours of their legislative amendments between 2005 and 2018 that were designed employees, but it will no longer recommend the frequency of to reform the securities regulatory system to better meet the realities recording. Mr. Speaker, this will save time for employers who of current capital markets and to assist Canada in meeting its manually record hours of work each day, particularly for schedules international G-20 commitments. that don’t tend to change, and will allow employers to continue Energy, Alberta Utilities Commission Act. Further amendments using existing payroll practices such as recording daily hours using to Bill 63 will enable cabinet through regulations to set formal a schedule that best fits their needs. timelines to improve the Alberta Utilities Commission approval Service Alberta’s Real Estate Act, 2021. The amendments will processes where necessary. Shorter and more practical traffic rate establish the authority of the RECA, the Real Estate Council of approval, times for transmission and distribution operators, and Alberta, board of directors to determine, in consultation with faster approval of new power plants will support economic recovery industry councils, eligibility criteria for candidates running for and growth by providing more certainty for job creators looking to election for industry council positions and to screen nominees on invest in natural gas, wind and solar power generation. these criteria. The amendments will clarify that members elected to Service Alberta, Builders’ Lien Act. The amendments will clarify the industry councils and public members appointed to the board the prompt-payment rules established in the Builders’ Lien (Prompt and industry councils can serve for less than three full years. The Payment) Amendment Act, 2020, generally applied to public- amendments as well establish the minister’s regulation-making private partnerships, P3s, except those governed by the Public authority that will advise and determine new board bylaws, and Works Act. By providing clarity around prompt-payment rules industry council rules will be approved once the current applied to P3s, construction businesses will save time and effort requirements for the minister’s approval of the bylaws and rules involved in determining which payment rules apply to their expires on December 1, 2022. projects, whether a business is in contravention of the rules, and The amendments will require the board to consult with the what collection remedies are available for late payment. industry councils prior to making bylaws that address critical The amendments will establish that the decision on payment elements of the RECA governance structure such as the conduct disputes will be interim and binding rather than final and binding. and the roles and responsibilities of the board and council members. This approach reduces the risk and therefore the potential legal cost The amendments will now allow the board to make bylaws to for parties involved in disputes by allowing them to take the matter establish requirements and standards related to education courses to the courts, or if they are not satisfied with the decision, the offered to licensees or prospective licensees and approved third- amendments will allow for extending prompt-payment rules to party education providers and enable the minister to make professional consultant contracts such as engineers. This will regulations establishing requirements related to training and enable consultant businesses to receive timely payment for their education. Overall, these amendments will provide clarity on the work and provide them with access to a faster and less costly authorities of the government and RECA’s board of directors. In process for payment disputes compared to the courts. the longer term, by creating a more efficient regulator, these Other changes to this act will allow for electronic sharing of the amendments will result in less direct intervention by government in certificate of substantial performance innovation to posting notices overseeing the real estate industry. on the job site. This will reduce the need for parties to the project Justice and Solicitor General’s Family Property Act. Further, Mr. to spend time visiting the job site to view the notice. Speaker, the amendments to the Family Property Act will remove Removing red tape for job creators is the primary objective of repealed references in this legislation and add references to the this bill. If these amendments are passed, Albertans will see faster Wills and Succession Act to apply retroactively to February 1, approvals, shorter wait times, and cost savings. Cutting red tape is 2012. This will ensure that Albertans do not unnecessarily spend about saving time and money for our job creators so they can feel time and money on legal costs in bringing claims into court to supported in creating jobs and boosting the economy. Mr. Speaker, determine who has the right to the property of a deceased spouse or with this bill we are removing government oversight where it partner. impedes growth and job creation. Where it protects the safety or the well-being of the public and the environment, the main goal is to 3:30 get rid of outdated and unused requirements. Albertans have been Justice and Solicitor General, Fatal Accidents Act. Madam voicing their concerns loud and clear, which addresses several key Speaker, the government must review damage amounts every five concerns in regard to the issues raised. years under the act. The amendments will repeal the requirement Mr. Speaker, Bill 62 highlights a number of impactful amendments for the government to table the report that reviews legislation, that will remove red tape for our job creators such as amendments amount of bereavement costs, damages resulting from fatal that include reducing delays on municipal development projects accidents and replace it with a requirement to publish the report on and speeding up municipal off-site levies and the development of a government website or make it available by other electronic permit appeals. The focus is to eliminate red tape that is holding means. Providing the report by electronic means such as posting it back the economy. These changes will bring more investment, more on a government website will allow Albertans, including family jobs into our urban communities and build communities and create members of individuals killed in fatal accidents and their legal jobs for Albertans. This platform promise will always be a commit- counsel, easy access to the report. Currently the only means by ment and a way to protect workers, restore balance, and strengthen which the report can be accessed is through the Legislature Library. democracy. Treasury Board and Finance, securities amendment act 2021. Again, I would like to applaud the associate minister, all the These amendments to Treasury Board and Finance’s securities stakeholders, leaders, and Albertans that have taken the time to 4682 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 provide feedback to not only better the economy of Alberta but to and employee, having the employers no longer record the regular respect and support the feedback of our workers and employees. hours of their employees? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Changes to the Family Property Act. This could have been simply done through a statutes amendment act, and it would have been The Acting Speaker: Thank you to the Member for Calgary-East. good to see the Ministry of Justice actually present in this change. Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available should anybody wish to take Basically, I wanted to say something I remember that bothers me any questions or comments. and worries me. When the Executive Council was being announced Seeing none, are there any members looking to join debate? I see and the way the ministry of red tape reduction was narrated and the hon. Member for Edmonton-Meadows has risen. being claimed that it is so critical to the Alberta economy in respect to, you know, the recovery of the economy, attracting investments, Mr. Deol: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to rise in the creating jobs, yet so far, for the last two years or so – it was just last House and to be able to make some comments to Bill 62, Red Tape week, on the 16th, when the government completed its first two Reduction Implementation Act, 2021, on behalf of my constituents years in office. How the ministry can provide their report, how that and Albertans. When I see what this bill proposes, if I just recall my ministry has contributed to attract the investments, that was their memory, it wasn’t really long ago when we debated these very primary mandate when this ministry was established, how it has issues under Bill 37, and we provided feedback to the ministry been playing its role to bring investments to Alberta by reducing during the debate on Bill 37. It seems like all of those concerns were red tape in the past two years – then we see the unprecedented not taken seriously. All this bill does is – you know, Bill 37 was unemployment rate in the province. More than a quarter of a million passed and, it’s my understanding, still not proclaimed yet, but the people have no jobs. Or the working people, you know, under the government has introduced other changes to their own bill that we conditions of growing inflation, struggling to make ends meet, or discussed in the House not long ago. what this ministry has done to complete the report, basically, of – Some of the changes I see that the bill proposes are to the the ministry was not able to achieve its mandate. builders’ lien amendment act. What this would do: the Builders’ What has the ministry learned, you know, from investment flying Lien Act is being amended by allowing prompt payment to be away from the province? What kind of assessment have they done expanded to P3s for new school and postsecondary projects. The of the money that has moved to Wisconsin, U.S., even taking the bill also makes industry include consultants such as architects and tax credits from Alberta? What is the report on the jobs and projects designers as part of prompt-payment rules. that have moved from Alberta to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Mr. Speaker, I remember debating this bill. I provided feedback to the other parts of the country? I think that was the mandate of based on my experience talking to people, my clients from 14 years this ministry, and this is what we are not seeing in this bill. Those of business. This bill is still not even complete. If you really wanted are some of the concerns that I would really like to get feedback on to discuss the concerns of the industry having to deal with a similar from the ministry. concept and the similarity of operations, as I mentioned, you know, With that, Mr. Speaker, I move a motion to adjourn the debate on the contracts aren’t even written. I think that verbal contracts were this bill. included after that, and there are a whole lot more people. The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. 3:40 [Motion to adjourn debate carried] Truckers: that is one of the industries that I’ve been hearing a lot from, those folks. I mean, working for months and months for a Bill 58 contractor and then ending up losing the money or the compensation Freedom to Care Act due to them. In many cases the employer or the contractor actually disappeared after the completion of the job. To me, I seriously [Adjourned debate April 14: Mr. Long] wanted to provide my feedback on this, if this government has actually gone back again to look back on their changes to try to The Acting Speaker: Are there any members wishing to join debate? I see the hon. Member for St. . . . complete the work they couldn’t in the past Bill 37. This is the time when they need to do thorough consultations. There are many Ms Goehring: Edmonton-Castle Downs. sectors, actually, that work within the same concept that we’re trying to address in this bill, and this is the time, I think, the ministry The Acting Speaker: Edmonton-Castle Downs. Thank you very should actually seriously look into that. much. My apologies for that. The other changes. I see the corporations act and Securities Act. I will not go through all the changes. The only question that rises in Ms Goehring: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise this my mind is: like, were these changes not applicable had not this afternoon to speak to Bill 58, the Freedom to Care Act. I know ministry actually existed? The Ministry of Service Alberta actually you’re no stranger to me talking about nonprofits and charitable would have been able to easily propose these changes or been able organizations and the incredible gratitude that I have for all of the to make these changes, so why are they being done under the services that these organizations provide to Albertans all across the ministry of red tape? Also, I would have a concern because I province. We know that there are more than 26,400 nonprofit organizations in the province, and I know that every single member worked in this industry, the security industry. I would also like to of this House has an impact in their community from these nonprofits know from the minister that the changes to the Securities Act are and the incredible work that they do supporting Albertans. not compromising the security of the consumers within the When we look at the importance of this sector, there are some industry. I would really like to have the feedback on this. numbers that I would like to share with you before we get into this The Employment Standards Code. Once again, the employer no bill, just to give you some understanding of the importance of this longer needs to record hours of work daily. I would like to hear sector when it comes to our province. We have here that more than more on this from the ministry. How does the minister think that 1.6 million Albertans provide more than 262 million volunteer this will not really impact the areas of disputes between employer hours to support their communities. The value of volunteer time is April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4683 estimated to be worth $5.6 billion per year. That is incredible. There hear from organizations is that they need an understanding of what is absolutely no shortage of Albertans that want to provide their their insurance policy already says. There are organizations that are time and volunteer in their communities. having their insurance changed, and they’re not aware of it. There When I have been speaking with volunteer organizations, needs to be some sort of education around what exemptions and nonprofits, charitable organizations, something that has continuously what liabilities already exist under your current insurance policy. come up is the feeling of lack of support from this government. That isn’t in this. That is not part of this legislation. There is a feeling of lack of consultation and a lack of understanding What we’ve heard is that they need support. There are incredible about what this sector actually needs. So when this piece of organizations all across the province that are doing incredible work, legislation was introduced, Bill 58, the Freedom to Care Act, that but they’re being forced to close their doors because they’re not definitely confirmed the messaging that we’ve been hearing from being properly supported and funded. What we’re seeing is that Albertans that are involved in nonprofits, that are volunteers. There other organizations and other well-meaning volunteers in the was a general consensus that the majority of those that are working province want to help. Instead of supporting the organizations that in nonprofit or volunteering in this sector weren’t consulted with. already exist and do that important work, they’re forced to close They weren’t asked: “What does your sector need? What would their doors, which leaves a huge gap in services in some benefit you as a nonprofit or a charitable organization?” communities. Then well-meaning citizens say: “You know what? I 3:50 would like to help. We’re not qualified to drive individuals, but we would like an exemption to be able to do that.” So I’m curious how this legislation came to be. I know that there was a survey that was done by this government. One of the When this first came out, we heard from the food bank. They organizations that I spoke to said that that was the only consultation expressed concern that individuals would be at risk with the that they were aware of that had occurred. They submitted their potential of exemptions because individuals that don’t normally feedback. Their feedback loud and clearly said that the most pressing provide a service, meaning well, could inadvertently put Albertans barrier for this sector is funding. It’s not regulation barriers. at risk. That was a fear – that was a fear – I can tell you, Mr. The organizations that I spoke to that were in support of pieces Speaker, from every single nonprofit, charitable organization that I of this legislation said that they needed clarity when it came to the spoke to when talking about this bill. They were all concerned about exemptions, that they felt that that was a barrier, that there wasn’t the unintended consequences of this legislation, that if an an ease of access. Part of this bill announcement was that a website organization is granted an exemption, we are inadvertently putting would be included, which is incredible. But a piece of legislation Albertans at risk. isn’t required to make a website. The nonprofit sector is very When we look at the examples that the government gave as to appreciative that this website is going to exist, that all of the lists of why they were providing this exemption, they provided two exemptions are going to be in one spot. There was gratitude for that. scenarios that already had exemptions. The issue was the ease of However, it’s not required in a bill. knowing what the exemptions were, which is being resolved with The government could have done that. They could have simply the website. At no point does it support the reason why they would created a website as per what the sector was saying, that they put this legislation forward. We know that Albertans want to help. needed access to be aware of what exemptions already existed. They want to step forward and support their community however There are over 420 exemptions that exist. They wanted an ease of they can. The solution is not creating the opportunity for exemptions access so that when they’re in an emergency situation and they want to be granted. It just simply doesn’t make sense. to provide a service, they had somewhere to go. So I think that There are services and organizations that offer services to giving credit to government for doing that is well deserved. Was a Albertans. Why aren’t individuals being funnelled to those piece of legislation required to do that? Absolutely not. organizations that already exist? Could that perhaps be included in What we did hear is that the sector is struggling. Just yesterday the website? When an organization is looking to say, “You know in question period I asked about charitable organizations and the what? We could really use some drivers; we have a lack of supports support that is required and when this government will step up and to get our rural Albertans to a pharmacy, to somewhere that is actually do something that’s going to support these organizations. offering vaccinations,” they truly want to help. It seems that that We’re seeing charities close all over the province. What does that service doesn’t exist. If they were to go on to the website and search mean, Mr. Speaker, when a charity closes? Well, it means that those the exemptions, could they not also go on to the website to see what services that are being provided to support Albertans don’t exist. So organizations already provide that service, the ones that already what’s going to happen is that other places are going to have to step have their policies and their regulations and their insurance in place up and create the service that the government isn’t supporting. to do that service? That’s where we get into the liability portion of this piece of Just because I’m meaning well and want to help doesn’t mean the legislation. There are exemptions for liability for volunteers. When vehicle to do that is an exemption. That person could then go to the you say that – the government has said that it allows access of ease organization that already offers that service, take their training, for people to want to step forward to volunteer when they feel that have an understanding of what that organization does, and provide they’re not going to be sued, which sounds wonderful. But the that service. It doesn’t mean that we just start giving out exemptions reality of how that comes into practice isn’t so clear. The when well-meaning people want them, because it inadvertently organizations have indicated that they weren’t asking for that. They could put those that they’re providing the service to at risk. That’s don’t want an exemption from liability. They have indicated that a big concern, and that’s something that I’ve heard from all of the their insurance companies already provide support should some sort organizations that I spoke to. of accident happen or some incident happen. We have been asking for over a year now for supports for this There’s a fear that part of this legislation is causing unforeseen sector. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that throughout this bill, seven consequences, consequences that perhaps weren’t intentional. But pages of it, there is nothing that provides actual, tangible support to if you have an organization that’s coming forward and applying for organizations that already exist to provide services to Albertans. an exemption, does that then put their insurance at risk because they They want to help. They want to be able to provide services. no longer would qualify under their insurance policy? What I did They’ve come to us asking for the ability to meet with the minister 4684 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 to talk about what their concerns are, to talk about their solutions, the country and in the province of Alberta. I know I gave a member’s but it’s not reflected in this piece of legislation. statement earlier today talking about the amazing volunteers in We’re looking at the risk of losing so many volunteers because Brooks-Medicine Hat and in our province, and I think that it’s quite there aren’t organizations for them to go to. Part of this government’s fitting that we are talking about the Freedom to Care Act this week budget talked about increasing volunteerism in the province, and I because one of our best natural resources in Alberta – we do have can see why they would say that if we look at liability exemptions, some amazing ones under the ground, but I think our best natural perhaps that would increase volunteers. When I spoke to some of resources are people. the organizations, their concern was that what this legislation was The people that we have in this province are truly exemplary, Mr. doing was off-loading the government’s responsibility to support Speaker. Not for the recognition, certainly not for a kickback, they Albertans on to individuals who want to help, volunteers. It’s do it all. They spend extra time. They give their talent, their money, creating a volunteer support system because the government hasn’t their resources, their families. They sacrifice a lot just to make sure adequately supported and provided those systems in already existing that everyone in our province can live a better life, and I think that’s charitable organizations and nonprofits. They’re closing their doors something that is truly unique about Alberta, because we do have because they do not have the support that they require to get through some of the highest volunteerism rates in the country. We know that this pandemic. They need hands-on, tangible support. Alberta has this pioneer spirit and can-do attitude, and I think that 4:00 that is perfectly shown when we talk about volunteerism. You know, I’ve grown up in Medicine Hat all my life, and They have offered projects to talk about ways to get Albertans back Medicine Hat is the kind of city where if you have an event or to work when Albertans are struggling. They’re living paycheque to something going on and you need volunteers, the last problem that paycheque. Some don’t have a paycheque coming in. Your you are going to have is not having enough people to help. In fact, community organization is saying: hey, we have a project that would I remember speaking to someone about the proposed Special put some local contractors – plumbers, electricians, drywallers – back Olympics that were supposed to be happening in Medicine Hat. to work. This government has said no. They’ve cut the CFEP grants. They said: well, you know, our problem isn’t that we don’t have They’ve cut the ability for these community organizations to not enough volunteers; it’s that we have so many volunteers that we only provide services in their community in a new and creative way don’t know what to do with them. So they were making up – and in COVID, but they’ve taken away the funding to allow them to among other reasons, even during my campaign people are just so invest in their community buildings, their structures. That’s what willing to help. You have these moments where you go, “Okay; the organizations are asking for. we’re going to have to try to make other positions because we don’t There was a concern expressed about the urgency of some of want anyone to feel excluded, and we want everyone to feel like these exemptions, that there was a need to make it a fast process to they can help,” because you know that volunteering is just such an allow for emergency circumstances such as COVID. I know that important part of our social fabric. It’s such an important way to some of the other examples that the government had provided were feel involved in the community. during the floods and during the Fort McMurray fires. When Last Friday I saw a post on Facebook from my friend Celina, who decisions are being made on an emergency basis and it has to go to is the executive director of the Medicine Hat and District Food the minister and to cabinet, who is responsible for looking at the Bank, and she had posted that due to COVID they were actually capacity of that organization to actually meet the services that experiencing a little bit of a volunteer shortage. They had some they’re saying that they can provide? Are they looking at what shifts that needed to be filled, and I thought: well, I think I’m free insurance is already existent within that organization? Are they on Friday morning. I didn’t even really look, but I was like: I think looking at what their actual capacity is to do that job? I’m free on Friday morning. So I texted her, and I said: hey; I’ll Are they requiring background checks, vulnerable sector checks? come and volunteer. I met Linda and some other people at the food When we have people that are transporting seniors, that’s a bank on Friday morning, and we assembled hampers and baskets vulnerable sector. Organizations that do those services, that drive and all the other kinds of things. Through the cattleman’s program seniors, have a vulnerable sector check through the RCMP. Who’s at the Medicine Hat food bank there are local ranchers who are able going to be watching for that in cabinet? When we asked the to donate their livestock to make into ground beef for families who ministry that, they didn’t have answers, and some of the need it because we know that beef prices are very high. Of course, organizations, they’re asking those clarifying questions, too. providing nutritious and delicious meals to families is essential but When you’re dealing in an urgent situation and you’re asking for also quite costly. In order to make sure that the food that we are exemptions, who’s going to be ultimately responsible for the getting in Medicine Hat to these families is nutritious, there are decision to give that exemption if something goes terribly wrong? interesting programs and stuff that we have to do. Part of this legislation is to remove liability, so when you’re Now, we also know that when we’re doing community service removing liability from a volunteer – it’s been expanded in this work such as this in food banks and otherwise, there’s a considerable piece of legislation to include a director, an officer, or a trustee of amount of regulation that you must follow. Of course, there are the nonprofit organization. health and safety rules, and those are important rules, Mr. Speaker, Thank you. because we want to make sure that while we are helping people, The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. Member for Edmonton- we’re truly helping them. I mean, there are health and safety Castle Downs. regulations that must be followed, but time and time again you find Are there any members wishing to join debate on 29(2)(a)? that there are regulations that are for commercial purposes that can Seeing none, are there any members wishing to join debate? I see prevent not-for-profit organizations from addressing immediate the hon. Member for Brooks-Medicine Hat has risen. needs in the community. These regulations often have exemptions. I think that Bill 58 just gives an expressway to kind of get around Ms Glasgo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to start off by these regulations and make sure that our not-for-profit sector is not saying that I think it’s really interesting that we are talking about inhibited by onerous regulation when it doesn’t necessarily need to Bill 58 today as we are marking National Volunteer Week here in be. April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4685

From what I understand, the Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism go, and all they wanted to do is help. These people shouldn’t be and Status of Women responded to a survey that went out earlier penalized for helping, and their good efforts certainly should not go last year asking not-for-profits what we could do to help. That’s to waste. But that is a reality for many, and a similar situation has kind of where the Freedom to Care Act was born. A key finding happened before. The Freedom to Care Act would make their efforts from the stakeholder consultation from spring 2020: stakeholders possible and expedite their efforts to make sure that they’re getting expressed a preference for changes to existing regulations, noting the people who need the help the most. The Freedom to Care Act is that good policy should already have exemption provisions. also a fulfillment of a promise that was made in 2019. Another key finding was that stakeholders had difficulty in We know that Albertans – because they’re giving their time and navigating the regulatory exemptions due to a lack of awareness on money, we have to make sure that those efforts are not given and available exemptions and not knowing how to access them. Like not being able to be used. Right now not-for-profits looking to lend the hon. member who spoke previously, who I understand has a a hand may need a one-time exemption from the government to very deep connection to these issues – and she has, I think, very assist in areas that aren’t explicitly in their mandate, but many of articulately expressed some of her concerns, but I would just like to these groups, like I said before, might not know which ministry to respond and say that this isn’t necessarily about the regulations contact to seek that exemption. I mean, we know we have several themselves. It’s about the fact that Albertans need the ability to find ministries here today, and even sometimes as an MLA I have to sit those regulations readily and be able to get these exemptions there and go: “Okay. Which ministry does that fall under? Is it processed quickly so that they can help the communities that need Service Alberta? Is it Municipal Affairs? Is it this, that, or the other them. thing?” Even for somebody who is connected in this whole situation, I think that, especially in COVID, it’s an excellent time to be sometimes we have to think about that. talking about this because we know that our not-for-profit sectors, For the average person who is directing the food bank or running as the hon. member opposite mentioned before, are stressed to their a local shelter, you can only imagine. They have 17,000 other things max. Because of increased poverty, because of people who’ve lost on their mind. The last thing that they’re worrying about is which their jobs, people are accessing food banks and other resources at a government department they should have to contact in order to higher rate right now. That’s by no fault of their own but just figure it out and get the people the help that they need. All they want because of the circumstance of the world that we’re in right now. to do is help. The passing of Bill 58 fills a gap, and it will create a We know that we need to be able to have the tools to respond to website to serve as a one-stop shop for not-for-profits seeking a one- those needs in our community. I think that Bill 58 is one example time exemption that may not already exist. The website will direct that’s going to greatly help my community, for sure. their request to the appropriate ministry, and it will allow the Other examples in Medicine Hat of charitable giving: we just saw ministry to know that recommendation and then make a the 50/50 jackpots for juniors that was organized by the ministry of recommendation to cabinet. Then cabinet will decide if a one-time status of women and multiculturalism and culture and tourism and exemption is necessary. – anyway, she has a lot of portfolios. I just lost track there. She It keeps the process intact in that we are still making sure that helped us to establish a way for us to help our WHL and AJHL regulations that need to be followed are being followed but also teams. In Medicine Hat we have the Medicine Hat Tigers, and in makes sure that there’s an expedited way to get Albertans the help Brooks we have the Brooks Bandits, who are beloved and treasured that they need. Most nonprofits might never even encounter a need, and, for sure, have had a tough year as well. Albertans responded and there are existing exemptions that they can get, but if this can to that in record amounts. Albertans were so excited about that. I even help one organization, I think it’s well worth passing, Mr. know that myself and the hon. Member for Spruce Grove-Stony Speaker. This act also protects volunteers from liability when Plain filmed a video, and it was a great time to be able to show serving in their community, and it provides opportunities and community. Even though we can’t be physically together, we can protection while volunteers are serving. connect in ways like that, which is why I think volunteering and our While there might be red tape for our civil society to navigate, not-for-profit sector are so important. the Freedom to Care Act gives them a direct path through it and I also was touched by an example from a little girl named Mila expedites approvals. Governments should always be creating Schaitel from Medicine Hat. She raised $281 of her own money, conditions for success. We shouldn’t be creating roadblocks. That’s and she gave it to the food bank because she thought that families the role of government. It’s our job to find ways to get to yes, not in COVID needed help more than she needed to keep that $281. It to constantly be saying no to people and throwing up more issues kind of makes me a little emotional because I think about little for people to try to dance around. Bill 58 balances protecting people in our communities and, you know, all the things they could Albertans while making sure that they continue to play a vital part be doing with that $281. Miss Mila thought that a family in need in building our strong communities. I’m very proud of our would be a better use for that than herself, and I think that that’s a government for proposing this bill that will meet Albertans’ needs true act of servant leadership even from the youngest people in our and fulfill one of our campaign promises. It’s another show that communities. Conservatives are compassionate, that Conservatives care about our 4:10 communities, and that we know that the best place for our not-for- I know that in Medicine Hat we’ve also experienced floods. It profit sector is to be empowered. The best role for the government seems to always flood around my birthday. It’s just the curse of in that is to take a step back and create the conditions for success being born in June during the only rainy season in southern Alberta rather than more roadblocks. ever. It seems to be a time where, you know, we see an increased I wanted to say thank you to the Minister of Culture, effort by many community members to help each other, which is Multiculturalism and Status of Women for undertaking her vital great. But imagine if a group of volunteers wanted to bring 1,000 work in this role. I want to say thank you to all the other ministers home-baked muffins or coffee to feed sandbaggers or whatever, or who have previously granted exemptions and helped our not-for- they wanted to prepare food at a local church or something that profit sector, and I want to encourage all of my colleagues to wasn’t accredited. They would need an exemption to public health support this bill as I will be today. I would hope that something as guidelines even though everything is clean, everything is good to important as this is not used as a political wedge, that it’s not used 4686 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 as a football but, rather, can receive the, I guess, uninterrupted quite how that works, so creating a centralized system will provide support of the House so that we can help Albertans who need it most. better data, a better sense of how exemptions are used, when they’re Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak used, when they’re needed, and annual reports to that effect will be today. made to cabinet on the outcome of these exemption requests to ensure that the provisions of this act are meeting the needs of The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. communities, producing expected results, increasing, really, the Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available should there be any takers. public benefit through organizations while also not putting Seeing none, are there any members wishing to speak? I see the Albertans at risk. hon. Member for Lacombe-Ponoka has risen. 4:20 Mr. Orr: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to speak to Bill 58, As we all know, Alberta is a province filled with good-hearted the Freedom to Care Act. Over the last year we’ve seen many people who aren’t afraid of putting in some elbow grease and nonprofits and civil society organizations stepping up to help helping their neighbour out. In fact, in rural Alberta in many cases, Albertans through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I just really want quite frankly, people would just prefer to see big government get to say thanks to all of those different organizations. In a time of out of the way and stay out of their lives and let them look after crisis it really is important what our volunteers and what our people themselves and their neighbours and their communities. Just let us can do to help each other out, to care for each other, to provide for do what we need to do in our community: that’s all they want. In each other. Unfortunately, red tape, outdated legislation, and fact, every year 1.6 million volunteers in Alberta put in over 262 prohibitive commercial regulations have sometimes been a million hours to support their communities. But as the saying goes, hindrance to these organizations when doing acts of just social good no good deed goes unpunished, and that should not be the case, and benefit to the community. which sometimes regulation does. The Freedom to Care Act was drafted in response to feedback If passed, Bill 58 will ensure that the individual – not the that Alberta’s government received from a survey that was open to organizations but the person, the individual – that volunteers and nonprofit stakeholders, so this is a direct response to the requests of performs services for a nonprofit organization will not be many different groups that expressed that these were some of the personally liable for damages or harm as long as harm was not challenges that they were facing. The purpose of commercial caused wilfully or through some sort of criminal misconduct or regulations is to protect the health and safety of Albertans and the when a volunteer is operating in some way that they aren’t really public good, but there are instances when such regulations become qualified to do and/or operating a motor vehicle, for which there are ineffective and prohibitive, especially for civil society organizations other rules and regulations that apply. when doing charitable work. And let’s be honest: the motive for This doesn’t mean that volunteers are absolved of all responsibility, nonprofits and civil society groups is not profit. They have no as some would like to suggest. They will still need to be properly incentive to create dangerous situations by cutting corners or doing licensed, certified, authorized, and act within the scope of their anything like that. They are there to do good, and that’s their intent responsibility and their ability. These liability protections are also and their purpose. limited to individual volunteers, assuring the public that there is still Good policy – all good policy, quite frankly – should have legal recourse against nonprofit organizations or institutions, exemptions in place for situations in which they don’t really apply whichever the case may be, and that the insurance applies to the well, in which they can be counterproductive, in fact. There are organizations, and none of that changes. The Freedom to Care Act some exemptions in place, but nonprofits have expressed a will provide volunteers with the common-sense liability protections complete lack of awareness of that. Many of these people didn’t they deserve and encourage more Albertans to help their neighbours, even know that there are these kinds of things available to them. serve their communities, and make our province a better place to live. They have difficulty accessing the existing regulation exemptions Mr. Speaker, there are over 24,600 nonprofit organizations in this that are beneficial, and they found that a significant challenge. In province. Our nonprofit sector employs 280,000 Albertans and fact, until recently I didn’t even realize that exemptions were a very contributes $5.5 billion in GDP annually. As our province starts to likely way to go, and I’ve had nonprofits in my community raise recover from COVID, the contributions of our nonprofit sector will issues that have really hindered them in the ability to deliver a continue to play a key role in our economic recovery, and if passed, public good. A request for an exemption might have actually been the Freedom to Care Act will give nonprofits a reliable framework an appropriate response for them, so I hope they will find this useful that will help them continue to provide essential services to moving forward. communities and individuals in Alberta as well as build our economy. Nonprofits need to be able to respond quickly and appropriately I want to thank the Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and in emergency situations, and having to navigate hidden but existing Status of Women for bringing this legislation forward. Bill 58 will regulation exemptions means that their time is wasted, that their have long-term positive impacts on civil society organizations in money is wasted, and essentially they’re just in many cases our province and on the many Albertans who rely on the services throwing up their hands, giving up, and are unable to provide the they provide, especially in rural areas, because many times support that they otherwise could to people. government services aren’t immediately available, and they are To support the Freedom to Care Act, part of the solution will be provided through these nonprofits. It is important that as a the provision of a central website that will be created to help government we support the good work that’s being done by civil nonprofits identify and access appropriate and existing regulatory society organizations and nonprofits, and I believe the Freedom to exemptions and provide a way for agencies to request new ones, Care Act will do just that, so I encourage everyone to support it. one-time, short-term exemptions. Advice from the Alberta public Thank you, Mr. Speaker. service will be taken into account when considering a new, one- time exemption to ensure that it continues to still protect the health The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. and the safety of Albertans. Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available. Alberta’s government also does not currently track how often Seeing none, I believe I see the hon. Member for Edmonton- these exemptions are used. The officials in charge don’t really know Beverly-Clareview has risen. April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4687

Mr. Bilous: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure organizations, more so than I am, and I know that we’ve had a to rise and speak to Bill 58, the Freedom to Care Act. I’ll start out lengthy conversation regarding what this sector has been asking by making the comment that I don’t think any member in the government for. My understanding has, again, more to do with the Chamber doesn’t appreciate all of the incredible work that clarity around the exemptions: who’s getting them; who’s providing volunteers do. We all have experiences and have worked with what services in a community? volunteers. In fact, I think it would be safe to say that none of us You know, quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, I’ve worked in rural parts would be here if it weren’t for volunteers in our own capacity in of Alberta. I’ve also worked and lived in other provinces in Canada order to get elected. We recognize that volunteers play a critical role in rural communities, and having a sense of who’s providing which for so many different services and service providers, especially service I think could be very, very important, especially in our during COVID, as members of the government have pointed out. larger urban centres, to ensure that there isn’t a duplication of I’ll start off by saying that my comments are going to be sticking services. That would be very, very helpful. A website: I mean, more to the bill as opposed to the value that volunteers contribute honestly, that seems like the best solution, that people can access it to our society. I mean, I’ll be the first to say that they are invaluable. 24/7 and find out very, very quickly. In fact, you know, the volunteers: if you did actually put a dollar 4:30 amount on it, I would imagine it is in the tens of billions of dollars through their volunteer services. With that, I do want to thank every Again, you know, within this bill the other changes that the volunteer in this province for whatever service they provide, minister is proposing as far as exemptions and how they work: especially during these really trying times. which organizations are asking for these exemptions? Again, under Now, with this legislation, I’m coming, I think, more with what circumstances does a for-profit or a corporate entity – or questions than comments on the legislation, Mr. Speaker. I will maybe it’s a different association or organization that is looking for thank the minister in advance for her answers, and I’m very much a not-for-profit status. I’d be curious to know why that is. looking forward to Committee of the Whole on this bill. Again, Mr. Speaker, the way that I try to look at legislation as it I know that there are 420 exemptions which currently – wait a comes through is really to identify: what is the problem that the minute. I might already be messing that up. It might not be 420 legislation is trying to fix? In this piece of legislation at the moment exemptions. No. I believe it is the exemptions that currently exist. – and I’m asking in all sincerity – I don’t know what problem this Now, I appreciate that members on both sides of the House have legislation is fixing. Again, there is a process for not-for-profits if been fairly engaged with the nonprofit sector, who have raised a they are in need of an exemption. Now, it is possible that due to number of concerns and brought them to government. I appreciate COVID there have been some extraneous circumstances that, you that the government with this piece of legislation is trying to fix a know, not-for-profits need a very prompt turnaround. If an OIC is problem which currently exists, and that is for these organizations needed, having served in the government benches, I recognize that to know what the exemptions are, who provides which service in cabinet can get jammed up very, very easily and very quickly. Is which community. But I think, as my colleague the Member for that part of the impetus behind these proposed changes? Edmonton-Castle Downs pointed out, those challenges are going to Now, I’m under the impression that the government conducted be resolved through the creation of a website, which I am one an online survey that is part of the reason that these changes are hundred per cent behind. I think that’s a fantastic idea. Get the being brought forward through this legislation. I would love to information out to them, and make it readily available so that it’s know if the government is planning to make that survey public. You less confusing. I think that’s fantastic. Now, at the outset, if it was know, it could consolidate the data, remove personal information just about the website reducing confusion and providing clarity, but at least publish so that Albertans can see that there was, in fact, then at this point the legislation is not necessary. There’s no need a demand for this change, and that’s what the government is to bring in a bill to be able to put up a website. responding to. Now, I understand that if this legislation passes, Mr. Speaker, the You know, again, I appreciate that there are times that governments Lieutenant Governor in Council – in other words, cabinet – has the have the best of intentions of solving a problem and in the process authority to grant exemptions or to grant to an entity for the purpose end up creating a number of others. I believe that every government of this act, basically, that they’d be considered a nonprofit. Now, in the history of countries around the globe has had that challenge I’m still, you know, looking at: what are some practical examples – I don’t think there’s a government that hasn’t – but an important when businesses or other entities would be requesting of one to keep in mind. Unintended consequences can actually government that they’re in need of that status? I’m not quite sure. sometimes have a greater impact than the solution would have. I do see that there’s also an expansion in this legislation on the Again, I’m curious to know why the definition to designate an definition of a volunteer, and now directors, officers, or trustees can organization as a nonprofit for the purpose of this act – my be considered a volunteer, which I find is interesting. I don’t know understanding, then, is that there’s a different definition that is used if this is about a liability issue, where having that status means that in other pieces of legislation. If that’s the case, I’m curious to know they are personally no longer liable. I know that, you know, in the why the definition in this bill is different from other pieces of private sector your board of directors are liable for actions that the legislation. Why the differentiation? If the minister can please company may take. It’s, you know, a significant responsibility, so expand on that. I’m just curious: under what circumstances should directors be I don’t know at this point in time, quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, in considered volunteers and therefore not liable? I’m hoping that the part because of the portfolios I held when we were government, minister can provide not just an overview but some specific, what the process is currently. You know, ahead of this legislation concrete examples of when this would be applied, maybe how it’s presumably passing, what’s the process right now that exists for the possibly been applied in the past, if that existed through an OIC, an minister who receives an exemption request? Again, does it then order in council. That would be very, very helpful. move through cabinet, and is this a way that the government The other thing or, I guess, the broad question I have, Mr. Speaker, believes that they’re reducing red tape or expediting this exemption is: how many not-for-profits have been asking for some of these process? substantive changes? I know that my colleague the Member for I do find it interesting just in the whole conversation around when Edmonton-Castle Downs is in direct contact with many of these exemptions are needed and for what kinds of organizations, in what 4688 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 circumstances. Again, conversations with the Member for the hard work of all the volunteers and nonprofit organizations in Edmonton-Castle Downs revealed that the challenge with some our communities. The Freedom to Care Act, Bill 58, will create a good-intentioned changes – I’m hoping that I can use the one mechanism which will allow nonprofit organizations to perform example that the member and I spoke of, which is: let’s say that you public good free from regulatory burdens and unnecessary red tape. have a faith group that wants to provide a service for their elderly 4:40 members. Maybe, especially during COVID, it’s delivering groceries or something along those lines or maybe not delivering Mr. Speaker, there are about 26,400 nonprofit organizations in groceries; maybe it’s taking them to go see a doctor or get a COVID our province, and each year more than 1.6 million Albertans shot or whatever. provide 262 million volunteer hours to support and help our I would imagine that there are certain regulations or protocols in surrounding communities. The value of volunteer time is estimated place to protect the safety of the volunteer and the person that to be over $5.6 billion per year. I would like to extend my they’re trying to assist. If an organization applied for an exemption, appreciation to all of the hard-working volunteers, leaders, and you know, I mean, are all the different aspects of – if an unfortunate members for creating a supportive environment to ensure our situation occurred, what does that mean for the volunteer, who has neighbouring communities are being well looked after. the best of intentions, who is wanting to help one of their faith- Bill 58 seeks to authorize the cabinet through order in council to based friends? I mean, “faith-based” just because I know that grant exemptions to nonprofit groups. There will be requirements religious organizations especially provide an incredible amount of for the Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women services and volunteerism for their communities, so the example is to report annually an exemption request that cannot be addressed just one that jumps out at me, Mr. Speaker. I think you understand through existing processes or legislation and provide individual my point. The exemptions may enable an organization to deliver a volunteers with liability protection. The Freedom to Care Act aims certain service, but what are the liabilities that then come with that, to establish a central access point for information on regulatory and and who is liable? legislative exemptions and guide organizations on how to apply for The other thing is: are there other not-for-profits providing these examinations in a timely fashion. For example, an exemption similar services? Again, this could be creating redundancies when that may exist is our food donation exemptions law, which protects there might be other gaps or needs that community members have donors from liability and allows Albertans to fill food hampers and that could be served. Now, again, my hope is that the website will donate to food banks and shelters. help cut down on that. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to emergency situations, government You know, I’m curious to know when the website will be going regulations hinder ways nonprofit organizations operate. Some up should this legislation pass. I mean, interestingly, I’m going to stakeholders will express that this legislation will help with short- take back what I just said because the legislation doesn’t need to term projects and is responding to the crisis or emergency pass for a website to go up. Is the intention to get the website up situations. We’ll ensure to create a mechanism to allow nonprofits quickly? If so, I would love to know if the minister has a timeline. performing social good to apply for common-sense exemptions Will there be an online repository of new exemptions so that others from redundant and unnecessary regulatory burden without creating can see, in efforts to be transparent: what are the new exemptions? more red tape. We must keep in mind that Bill 58 will not be able I’m curious to know what types of responses the government to address challenges such as funding cuts, reporting requirements, received from not-for-profits indicating that the personal volunteer administrative burdens, grant eligibility requirements, timely liability exemptions were needed. export approvals, and grant funding. Now, I see from the bill that this is a one-time, short-term Mr. Speaker, Bill 58 will only have a mechanism that will allow exemption for not-for-profits. I’d appreciate if the government for the organizations to apply for exemptions from restrictions that could be a little more clear in this. I mean, a one-time, short-term are implemented for nonprofit establishments. By adopting the exemption: well, short-term can mean a lot of things to a lot of Freedom to Care Act, this will allow charitable nonprofit groups to different people. It depends. Are you asking a farmer what’s short- apply for common-sense exemptions from regulations that are term? Are you asking an organization who’s doing a five-year designed primarily for commercial application. With the support of budget what’s short-term? The point is that there are different the Minister of Service Alberta, this will ensure the processes are definitions, so can the minister clarify? regulated and correctly implemented. Sometimes there are no exemptions put in place for certain situations, so it is important that The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. Albertans and organizations are able to quickly apply for such Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available should there be any takers exemptions when needed. We need to enable Alberta’s volunteers on that. and get them the tools they need because these requests are pushed Seeing none, I see the hon. Member for Calgary-East has risen. to the front of the queue in the case of a pressing emergency. This means that Albertans will be able to quickly respond to crises as Mr. Singh: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks for this great they occur. Each request is looked at by this expense and can assure opportunity. I am pleased to stand here today to express my support Albertans that their health and safety will not be compromised by for Bill 58, the Freedom to Care Act. I would like to applaud and this process. thank the Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Often government regulations are tricky to navigate and can be Women for listening to the stakeholders who have voiced their difficult to understand. To supplement this legislation, the ministry concern on ways to reduce red tape so that our nonprofit also seeks to establish a website that will be available to all Albertans organizations are being fully supported by our government. who wish to learn more about the process of applying for exemptions The nonprofit sector is an economic driver which employs and to give them easy access to the exemptions that are already in 28,000 Albertans and accounts for $5.5 billion in GDP annually. place. We can also assure all Albertans that the process will be quick This is a very important piece of legislation, which will have a and easy to ensure immediate response to emergency situations. In lasting positive impact on the hard work Alberta’s nonprofit and the past our province has stepped up to help during emergencies, and charity organizations do to support the amazing communities in our the Freedom to Care Act will only strengthen the current legislations province. I am proud to support an initiative that will be furthering that are implemented to keep our communities safe. April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4689

Our platform commitment is to cut red tape by one-third, reduce through the implementation of this legislation. Again, I applaud the costs, speed up approvals, and free job creators to get more minister and all the staff and the team members that have been Albertans back to work. Alberta’s industry panels aim to help the involved in the crafting of Bill 58, that will ensure the protection of minister identify unnecessary red tape in every sector of Alberta’s Alberta and will ensure that our population is supported and economy. Cutting red tape within government will allow the public protected. sector to focus on serving Albertans and implement an outcome- Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone in this Chamber to support based regulatory approach. this bill and support all individuals that are dealing with the We want to enable Albertans, Alberta’s volunteers and give them challenges and the families that are affected. I hope that everyone the tools they need. In the past our province has stepped up to help will put forward their full support for such a significant piece of during emergencies. There are countless examples of the selfless legislation, which will enable Alberta’s volunteers to support others acts Albertans have performed, so as they go above and beyond to and give them the tools they need to succeed. help during some of our province’s worst crises, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Bill 58 also introduces volunteer liability protection, 4:50 which aims to protect volunteers. They cannot be held personally liable on behalf of the organization as long as the harm was not The Acting Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. caused by wilful or criminal misconduct. The volunteer must be Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available for any questions or acting within the scope of his or her responsibilities and must be comments. I see the hon. Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation properly licensed, certified, or authorized. has risen. This liability protection will align with other Canadian Mr. Schweitzer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that we adjourn jurisdictions that have similar legislation to protect Albertans and debate. cut unnecessary red tape. For example, Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia’s Volunteer Protection Act has similar legislation to address similar The Acting Speaker: Unfortunately, that’s not available under concerns, which has been in place for around 20 years. Nova 29(2)(a). Scotia’s act protects volunteers from being held liable for damages if they were acting in good faith within the organization’s mandate. Mr. Schweitzer: Oh, sorry. I wasn’t doing a 29(2)(a). I thought you The Freedom to Care Act will create a mechanism which will were back on the regular piece. allow not-for-profit organizations to perform public good free from regulatory burdens and unnecessary red tape. The government’s The Acting Speaker: All right. Sure. focus is to eliminate red tape that is holding back the economy. I see the hon. Member for Calgary-McCall. These changes will bring more support and protection and more Mr. Sabir: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A couple of things with jobs into our communities and build trust with Albertans. This respect to this bill. I do recognize that volunteers and different promised platform will always be a commitment and a way to organizations, nonprofit organizations, do critical work in our protect workers and protect our thousands of volunteers, restore communities, and they should be appreciated and supported in balance, and strengthen democracy. With this legislation, more every way that we can. Albertans will have the freedom to support others free from unnecessary burdens and the fear of potential liability. At the same [The Speaker in the chair] time, it is also important to remember why such regulations are in place. If this legislation is passed, Albertans will see faster But what’s not clear from this legislation – if anybody, including approvals, shorter wait times, and a sense of trust in the community, the member who just spoke, can share with us: was there an issue especially during emergency situations. in nonprofits that volunteers were hesitant because of the liability We want to enable Albertans, Alberta’s volunteers, and give to be part of volunteering activities? them the tools they need. In the past our province has stepped up to The second thing is that this bill limits the liability of the help during emergencies. There are countless examples of the volunteer in that they will still be liable for wilful, reckless, criminal selfless acts Albertans have performed as they go above and beyond misconduct, which is general negligence law. But section 3(3) says, to help during some of our province’s worst crises. Everyone “Nothing in this section affects the liability of any non-profit remembers the flood of 2013 in Calgary. This was the largest flood organization.” So it means that nonprofit organizations still may be since the year 1932 and had a lasting impact on our city. Tragically, liable for the actions of their volunteers. How will that encourage five people lost their lives during this time, and many others lost more volunteerism? their properties or were devastated by the costs of repairs to Have we heard from nonprofits about this? There are 26,000 of infrastructure. them. The definition about doing charitable work is not clear on Mr. Speaker, I note that we would not have been able to recover how you will assess which nonprofits in Alberta are eligible and from this disaster without the help of the volunteers. I’m proud of which ones are not. If anybody wants to answer those questions – I the way Calgarians stepped up to the challenge, sacrificing their will give the opportunity to the hon. Member for Calgary-East time and energy to help rebuild our city and support those most in because he was talking about how this will encourage volunteerism. need. Sometimes Albertans don’t have time to worry about But what I see is that it may have a chilling effect because unnecessary regulations as the need is too pressing and time is short. nonprofits may not want to take on liability in cases where they In this situation it was important for Albertans to be able to respond know that volunteers are liable. to the call for help. We appreciate their work and do not take it for Thank you, Mr. Speaker. granted. Cutting red tape is about saving time and money for our job The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-East should he choose creators so that they can feel supported in creating jobs and boosting to. the economy. Mr. Speaker, the Calgary-East constituency is home Is there anyone else under Standing Order 29(2)(a)? to hundreds of families that will benefit significantly from Bill 58, Seeing none, the hon. Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, and it will allow organizations and volunteers to grow strong the Deputy Government House Leader. 4690 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021

Mr. Schweitzer: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Now that we’re off 29(2)(a) Uber, was able to outspend. The very working people that were – I appreciate it – I’d just move to adjourn debate. trying to protect their jobs and have the ability to unionize were out fundraised and outspent because there was no restriction, and there [Motion to adjourn debate carried] is no restriction in California to prevent that from happening. Well, currently, with the way this piece of legislation is written, we have Bill 51 the exact same issue here. Citizen Initiative Act The other issue that we have here as well is that citizen initiatives [Adjourned debate April 14: Ms Renaud] are also, for example, able to open up constitutional debates. Citizen initiatives can be about constitutional discussions. What this piece The Speaker: Is there anyone wishing to join in the debate? The of legislation does is that it allows us to take huge steps back in hon. Member for Edmonton-Manning has risen. movements around constitutional challenges and reopen, let’s say, for example, the abortion debate and whether or not women should Ms Sweet: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise this have a right to their bodies and to be able to make those decisions. afternoon and talk about the Citizen Initiative Act, another piece of Again, there’s no limit. There are no expectations or anything legislation that we’ve seen come forward by this government in a within this legislation to prevent the pros and cons. And when we package of different pieces of legislation that relate to democracy, start talking about constitutional changes around citizen initiatives, too. Many are pieces that were discussed at the Democratic I think we’re walking on a very, very slippery slope. There are Accountability Committee, that I was a member of as one of the certain things that, I would argue, don’t need to be relitigated and members of the opposition. rediscussed and, you know, taking us back to the 1950s, where we Now, in those discussions there were, well, a variety of different have to start talking about women’s rights, again, to autonomy of things that were looked at, and we had experts attend the committee their bodies and reopen a variety of those different discussions. to give some advice to both the government and to the opposition As was recommended by the subreport or the minority report that around how we would move forward with some of these pieces of was written by the opposition, we clearly said that constitutional legislation. What we’ve seen, however, is that, once again, as we’ve citizen initiatives should not be within this legislation for that very seen in other pieces of legislation that came out of those committees, reason, which is, one, that constitutional challenges – you can have the advice was not necessarily adopted by the government. In fact, a whole discussion about constitutional challenges within the some would even say that some of the advice that was provided by provinces. You then have to challenge the Constitution. We all experts was completely ignored by the government. know how that works as legislators. It’s very, very hard for a Now, we also are starting to see a very significant trend when it province to decide to try to change the Constitution, so it becomes comes to democratic bills in this government and the idea of – this an exercise that really becomes divisive in our province, because government continues to go out and say: we want to make constitutional questions tend to create division. That is why most of democracy better in Alberta, and we’re going to bring all these them are fundamentally protected, because they are very pieces of legislation forward so that Albertans have mechanisms to contentious. To have that ability to create division within the be able to do different democratic tasks, whether it be recall province: I don’t know why as legislators we would support that. legislation or citizen initiatives or referenda, plebiscites, all of these different things. Yet what we continue to see in these pieces of 5:00 legislation is that the terms of reference are not put out in the Now, again, if we look at, of course, B.C., it has something legislation. They are all being done within regulation. similar – I find it interesting that this government keeps adopting What does that mean? Well, there’s a significant lack of B.C. policies – but there are some differences. Again, when it was transparency when it comes to these democratic pieces of recommended to look at the B.C. options, it was also encouraged legislation that the government continues to bring forward. If they that we don’t necessarily make it exactly the same. Now, the were truly democratic, Mr. Speaker, all Albertans would be able to National Conference of State Legislatures indicated that citizens’ pick up a piece of legislation and see all of the different initiatives can have good policy, but there’s a significant requirements, all of the contribution limits, all of the expenditure educational requirement that needs to occur to ensure that citizens limits, all of the different things that we currently see in already- are aware of what they’re voting on. There is a huge portion of this established election legislation such as our financial act. Yet two where you can’t just put a question out and expect that those who bills we’ve already seen in this sitting alone are redirecting all of are voting on the question are going to have all of the information, the rules and regulations through regulation. They’re not being especially if you’re creating some pretty complex questions. We legislated. don’t see any of that in this legislation. We don’t see any An example of that, again going back to clear expenses and responsibility around education, where the government will ensure contribution limits, would be citizen initiatives. As we are that both sides of the conversation are happening. In fact, there’s discussing the differences between all these bills, I mean, the idea really no accountability on that. You know, I see that as a problem. of citizen initiatives is that you could get a group of citizens together The other problem that I see within this piece of legislation is that to decide that there is an important issue that they would like to it is regionally based. For example, if the government so chose to discuss. That’s fair. But in doing that, you would think that the support the idea of having a citizen initiative, because ultimately government would want to ensure that there are contributions, the government would have to decide on some of these, you could fundraising expectations in place that are in legislation, not see a citizen initiative started in rural Alberta on an issue that regulation, to ensure that this piece of legislation cannot be used for excludes urban communities. It could literally be a citizen initiative certain groups to create a movement in the province around issues – for example, let’s talk about the RCMP initiative. The government that could raise millions and millions of dollars. likes to talk about trying to get rid of the RCMP and creating a We’ve seen this in the United States. We’ve seen it with the provincial body. Let’s say that that was done under a citizen movement around Uber in California and what happened with that initiative and that it’s decided that only rural communities get to and the amount of money between the pros and the cons that was vote on that and not urban settings. Well, that’s an issue because raised and the fact that industry, when we talk specifically about you’re talking about a provincial program. Although I know that April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4691 there are members on the government side who I’ve had this Mr. Getson: Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was a pleasure to discussion with who have said, “Well, you know, Calgary and hear a lot of the dialogue and the debate taking place, and the Edmonton don’t actually have RCMP,” well, that is factually citizens’ initiative is pretty exciting. It’s a pretty exciting piece of incorrect. We actually do, so it couldn’t be a regional question put legislation. It’s one of the platform commitments that we made, forward. However, the legislation would allow it to be. again, in bolstering democracy. The other side may not take that as We could talk about looking at coal, for example. There might be seriously as we do or that we actually want to put a little bit of a certain community around coal who decides, “You know what; control and power back in the hands of the people. economically this makes the best sense for our area” and ignores The opposition has talked about incidents that are taking place in the rest of southern Alberta and the impact on farmers and ranchers. California, and what was resounding out of there was that they were They create a citizen initiative. It could be decided that part of the talking about citizens’ initiatives and corporations and unions being question is that it only impacts that certain region. Within this piece excluded. Now, I understand that there is always a slant towards of legislation that would be allowed. one side of the optics, but my concern on that one is: what is the How, then, does the government decide where these regional concern with putting more power back in the hands of the people? representations start and where they end, who gets to decide that Mr. Speaker, you know full well that when we go into a they are regionally appropriate, and why would the government nomination, we have a lot of people lining up to say who their want to put in an ability to only have regional questions put candidate is going to be. When we go into an election, everybody forward? Ultimately, these questions would create legislation. is on their best behaviour, and they’re going to say what they’re Ultimately, these questions would change the context of Alberta, going to do. Then we get into this languishing period, quite frankly, which means that all Albertans should have their say. If it were to and I’ve observed – and maybe it’s only because I’m new here – be a municipal issue, well, then you know what the government that it languishes kind of within four years. So you kind of bounce could have done? They could have looked at having something between those barriers and do what you can. But where is the voice where it was municipally led, but that’s not written in this of the people? legislation. It’s not created that way. When we’re talking about referendums, that’s a big concern to There are a variety of different concerns around this, and I think the members opposite because – heaven forbid – at a municipal, the biggest concern is that it is all being done in regulation. Again, which spans periods between the provincial, other people get I mean, I spoke about this last night in regard to the fact that when involved and get excited about that, that we can have more things start getting put in regulation – and, you know, to be clear, democracy, more participation. It shows time and time again that I’ve asked the minister’s office about this as well – we start seeing when you have more participation in the process, you have less things not aligning with other pieces of legislation. The issue with protest because things are actually moving forward. If that’s what citizens’ initiatives, recall, referenda, the Senate is that there’s a the real concern is, then just say it. whole bunch of money that starts to float around with all these I have a difficult time trying to understand some of the lines. pieces of legislation when it comes to political engagement. There is always the bogeyman effect: what happens if? Oh, my Typically those rules would be found in alignment with the Alberta gosh, you actually might have a region that’s concerned about financial elections act. Contribution limits, disclosure limits: all of something that’s specific to that area, and it’s going to apply it to downtown Edmonton. Oh, my gosh. Come on. Let’s put it in those things would be required. perspective here. Allow people more participation. It doesn’t To not have them explicit in the legislation to ensure that they’re always have to be the bogeyman, but it does have to be about giving aligned brings serious questions on the accountability measures that people the choice again, people like a lot of us, who have stepped are going to be in place around these regulations and how much out of our normal lives to participate in the process because we’ve money is actually going to be allowed and the fact that because it’s finally had enough. We’ve had enough. The fact that you’ve gotten not legislated, it could be arbitrarily changed in a regulation. So we enough people together that volunteered or organized or supported could go from a $5,000 cap to a $50,000 cap because someone and that felt common interest and common concerns to unify and decides that this citizen’s question is actually really important to come together to solve a problem: yeah, that would be pretty that individual, and we want to change the ability to influence it. disconcerting to some. It’s a huge liability question around accountability by the I’m going to sit down, give the rest of my 29(2)(a) time back to government, the ability for the government to just arbitrarily change those concerned people that actually do not support democracy, do contribution limits, who can get involved, third-party advertising, not support a lot of the fundamental changes, nor respect the voice which makes this bill absolutely flawed in that sense. This is of the Albertans that put a bunch of us here for the first time to come opening up, because everything is in regulation and not legislated, together and change some of the narrative and some of the ways third parties to be able to substantially influence the legislative that we operate so that we can have a more fulsome debate, have process in Alberta, to make significant changes to the livelihoods more representation, and deal with items as they come along. of Albertans, to create the struggle between working people and Citizens’ directive, citizens’ recall, referendums: very healthy for corporations, as we have seen in California with Uber, and there is democracy. no protection within this legislation to prevent that from happening. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would say that I will not be supporting 5:10 this piece of legislation. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Manning to respond. The Speaker: Hon. members, Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available if anyone has a brief question or comment for the Member for Ms Sweet: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to be really Edmonton-Manning. Under 29(2)(a)? quick and short on this. If it was truly about democracy and holding people to account, the government would legislate all the open Mr. Getson: Yes, sir. contributions, disclosures, and all the other things that are currently in the Election Act. What is not happening here is the government The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland. being open and transparent about creating these democratic laws. 4692 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021

So it’s not about democracy. It’s about putting big money back into Edmonton and Calgary and Sherwood Park, all over our great politics and trying to influence elections. That is the fundamental province. Let’s hear from them, including through submitting issue. If the hon. member across the floor would like to fix it, then proposals for legislative and policy changes and constitutional get everything in legislation and make sure that your government is referendum questions for consideration. being open and transparent about contributions and who is paying Who’s afraid of a little more democracy? Certainly not me, Mr. for these elections. Speaker, and, I would say, through you, certainly not the Member for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, and I sure know that the good people The Speaker: Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available. If there are no of Lacombe-Ponoka ain’t too afraid of that. I suspect they want it others, the hon. Member for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland. quite a bit. Where I’m going to go, Mr. Speaker, to begin in my support for Mr. Getson: Absolutely. To the hon. member: we tried to talk Bill 51, is that I want to talk about the mechanics specifically of the about interventions, actually, yesterday on a private member’s bill, bill, which I really like and that I want to highlight and have in and this actually works out pretty good, when we can have debates Hansard. I support the nuts and bolts of this bill because it’s been going back and forth in the House. But the members opposite, while thoroughly researched and fleshed out policywise, in my view. That they used political procedures to meander and jammer that one and much is clear. jam it all up, we couldn’t talk. I actually like this format, going back I also want to take time to thank the Select Special Democratic and forth. Accountability Committee, that looked into questions of The member opposite talked about money. Let’s talk about how strengthening Albertan democracy, including citizen initiatives and the unions work. Let’s talk about the contributions that go to your referenda. I want to thank, of course, the chair of that committee. parties. We had a whole row in here when we actually gave people Great work. Democracy in action. the choice on the unions, whether they wanted their monies going I want to recognize the MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon. He is a to a certain political campaign or not. If you want to talk about dark great person, always fighting for direct democracy, and that money, I didn’t even hear about or understand that it took place, influence comes from his father, Wayne, who really strongly how some folks from that side operate. Let’s talk about cash. Let’s believes that, got involved years ago, going back to the Reform and talk about that one. Preston Manning. We’re seeing the prairie populism contained in I’ll cede my time back to the member if she would like to reply. this bill manifesting itself, and that is absolutely beautiful. It’s in The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Manning should keeping with Alberta’s best democratic traditions. she choose to do so. I want to turn to part 1, divisions 1 through 5 of this bill. Mr. Are there others? Standing Order 29(2)(a) is still available. Speaker, imagine citing actual parts of the bill. It’s quite a thing. Seeing none, the hon. Member for Sherwood Park, followed by This bill reasonably lays out a thoughtful and fair process for citizen the hon. Member for Edmonton-West Henday. initiative legislative action and constitutional referendum questions, which I am very excited about. Through a petition process and Mr. Walker: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise thresholds for such petitions to make the petition eligible for citizen and a privilege to speak strongly in support of Bill 51, the Citizen initiated legislative action, I believe this bill strikes a fair balance Initiative Act. We’ve had great discourse on this bill so far, on both between ensuring that Albertans may consider questions of great sides of the aisle, and I just want to make my own contributions. I political interest in the process while also ensuring that Albertan will attempt to the best of my ability, actually, with this bill to be democracy is not overwhelmed with frivolous, narrow, parochial quite mellow in my presentation. I don’t speak too often, but when proposals. In B.C., for example, where we take some influence for I do, I seem to get the opposition really riled up. That’s okay, but our model that we’re putting forward with Bill 51, since 1995 there I’m going to be mellow. It might be boring for the good people of have only been 12 petition initiatives. That gives you a sense of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills and perhaps Sherwood Park, but I’m maybe what we can expect over the next generation or so, but who just going to be real even keel, and we’ll see how it goes. knows? Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, I strongly support Bill 51, the Specifically, what I enjoy about this bill – you can find it, Mr. Citizen Initiative Act. Again, as the Member for Lac Ste. Anne- Speaker, on pages 12 through 14, just riveting reading. I know Parkland was saying, this is about giving Albertans a more direct everyone has read it. For big constitutional initiatives I want to talk role in their democracy, complementing and enhancing the great about the thresholds for the petition signature, which I think are traditions we have inherited from our Mother Parliament in Britain very reasonable: 10 per cent of voters province-wide for legislative regarding Westminster parliamentary democracy. and policy initiatives and then 20 per cent for province-wide voters Bill 51, Mr. Speaker, would strengthen democracy and enable and 20 per cent of voters in each of two-thirds of Alberta’s electoral Albertans to initiate legislative action on issues that affect them. divisions for constitutional initiatives. I think that’s really important. This bill is part of a bold package. We were speaking to recall last Again, this is found on pages 12 through 14. On the constitutional night, which I greatly enjoyed, perhaps fairly energetically. It’s question – I think other members have been talking about this – democratic reform that will significantly enhance and bring in more yeah, these are matters of great import to our country, to our Albertans to political engagement, in this case with citizen province. I think it is very sound and fair that we do ensure that initiatives and referenda. there is proper geographical representation. It’s not just Edmonton Philosophically, what I and the constituents of Sherwood Park or rural Alberta or Calgary flooding the petitions, if you will. There and the members of the government caucus see in this bill, my own needs to be broad geographical representative support for a citizens’ values, is that we fundamentally believe that the people of Alberta initiative constitutional referendum petition. I just really strongly are in control of their destiny and that politicians take orders from support that, and I think it’s been done well. them. That is how it works, and this just further reinforces that Finally, on the specific mechanics of the bill itself, Bill 51, I important fact. There’s so much great wisdom in this Chamber, Mr. support, again, the identity verification process, that’s overseen by Speaker, among the 87 representatives, and how privileged we are the Chief Electoral Officer, whereby they would review all to be here. But I’ve got to think that there are also 4.4 million sparks signatures collected in a petition to ensure that all signatures are in of individual genius right across Alberta in our beautiful cities of fact from Albertan electors or voters. That’s fair. We need to make April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4693 sure we know that the people who are signing this are actual Parkland that I’m being mellow. Those jurisdictions are okay. Let’s Albertan electors. That is responsible, fair, and well balanced. Mr. support this. Let’s have 87 members supporting this. Speaker, I’m in the mellow mood today. We’re going to have an In conclusion, Mr. Speaker – I hope I have time – I strongly support orderly House. I could say a lot about how the left views, you know, this bill, Bill 51. It’s a bold bill, part of the United Conservative responsible voter identification, but I’m not going to bother. I’m broader package of democratic reform, and would significantly mellow today. That can be found on pages 12 through 14 of Bill 51. enhance Albertan democracy. Albertans’ exceptional political culture I also support, found on page 12, setting a time frame for the showcases beliefs in individual liberty, grassroots democracy, market collection of signatures. You need to have some sort of time frame. It capitalism, equality of opportunity, and a ferocious – ferocious – can’t be just the never-ending petition gathering, if you will, so I think hostility towards centralized decision-making and socialism. Not so that is sound and reasonable, and it’s something I can support. You mellow there, but I had to get it out. Bill 51, with a view to history, know, it’s interesting. Right now everything, as I understand it, in I firmly believe is a legislative manifestation of Albertans’ long this bill would be done through physical gathering of the signatures, desire, a palpable yearning, in fact, for more direct democracy to no online, but this is a start, and who knows where things will go ensure that all Albertans are always in charge. Today I am proud to with that? I know, for example, that in Italy, I think, the Five Star support this bill. It achieves all that and more, and it’s why I political party, they’re big on online democracy, as are some German strongly support it. I urge all members of this House, as we continue parties. Anyway, we’ll see how that goes years down the road. But with this fruitful discourse, to support this bill. this is a strong start on the time frame and collecting the signatures. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I now conclude my remarks. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have? The Speaker: Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available if anyone has a 5:20 brief question or comment for the hon. member. The Speaker: Six minutes. Seeing none, the hon. Member for Edmonton-West Henday.

Mr. Walker: Okay. Thank you so much. Mr. Carson: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise I guess, then, where I want to go is that I want to talk the Albertan this afternoon to speak to Bill 51, the Citizen Initiative Act. I’ll start experience, 115 years into Alberta being a great province here in off by pointing out that it’s a relatively hefty bill before this House, Canada, where this all comes from, and why Albertans are yearning with a lot of information contained in it, but unfortunately there are for this. Yeah. Albertans have been yearning for more direct many questions that go unanswered and, I would say, in some democracy, including referenda, citizens’ initiatives for over a respects more questions left than answers within the legislation. century. Our political culture fundamentally believes in bottom-up, Just to start things off here, Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment grassroots democracy, not top-down, centralized decision-making to reflect on the words from the Member for Lac Ste. Anne- from the so-called central authorities. I know that’s certainly true in Parkland. In his 29(2)(a) response to one of our members he made Lacombe-Ponoka. By golly, I know that’s true in God’s country, reference to the fact that nomination meetings are not as transparent Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, and all across Alberta. We know that. We as, say, something like a referendum put forward through Bill 51, know it’s true in Sherwood Park. the Citizen Initiative Act. I suppose that’s a fair point, especially This bill is a reflection of that political culture, and I ask all 87 when we reflect on some of the things we saw take place within the members to deeply reflect on that. As far back as the early 20th UCP’s nomination meetings. We all remember the MLA for century, agrarian reform and political action organizations were Calgary-East. After their nomination meeting multiple UCP advocating for direct democracy, including specifically referenda. candidates had written to the executive director of the UCP asking We’ve had groups like the UFA, the Society of Equity, the Non- that that nomination be overturned because of allegations of fraud Partisan League, all going back over 100 years, advocating for this. and bribery. Of course, further after that point, in the 2019 election In fact, a farmer from Carstairs, Mr. Speaker, a historical the MLA for Calgary-East’s place of business was raided by the constituent of yours, Henry Wise Wood, American-born, was a key RCMP in relation to allegations of UCP voter fraud in that scandal. figure in advocating for more direct democracy. God bless So when we reflect on the type of democracy that the UCP has seen everyone in your riding, including those no longer with us, for all within its own nomination meetings, I can completely understand the great work they’ve done. This bill should be seen as a century- that the Member for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland is very concerned plus achievement of Albertans coming together, wanting more say. about the democracy or lack thereof within their own party. Again, who’s afraid of a bit more democracy, putting more Once again, when we reflect on the lack of democracy across the power, more influence in the hands of the people? I love all 87 board from this government, whether we’re looking at Bill 26, Bill people here. We’re pretty wise, but I think the 4.4 million – there’s 27, Bill 29, changes to municipal referenda, changes to Senate even more wisdom outside this Chamber, so let’s hear from them. elections that have taken place, it’s hard for Albertans, I guess, as we Let’s support this. This is good. compare it to Bill 51, the Citizen Initiative Act, to take it at face value from this government that they really have their best interests at heart. Finally, Mr. Speaker, in the time I have remaining, just quickly I Once again, looking further at the nomination processes of this want to offer a comparative jurisdictional perspective in terms of government and the election processes, an ongoing RCMP why I support this bill. We have amazing, mature, prosperous investigation into members of that party, we saw the Member for democracies who have for quite a long time had citizens’ initiatives Cardston-Siksika, who was questioned by the RCMP. We saw the and referenda. Some of that was mentioned in earlier discourse here Member for Sherwood Park also questioned. today. For example, we have Switzerland and California. Switzerland since 1891 has had citizen-initiated referenda, and California has Mr. Ellis: Point of order, Mr. Speaker. had it since 1911: mature, robust democracies. I’m sure lots of people have been to the Golden State. Lots of Point of Order people have been to the beautiful cantons of Switzerland. Guess Imputing motives what? They’re great democracies, and everything is fine. The sky isn’t falling. They hear from their people. And, by golly, I’m being Mr. Ellis: Standing Order 23(h), (i), and (j), imputes false, mellow. I’d say through you, Mr. Speaker, to Lac Ste. Anne- unavowed motives against other members. He’s insinuating that the 4694 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 mere conversation that a police officer has with an individual in The train of thought that he was referring to, of course, was this some way means that that person is guilty of something. issue of internal party matters being brought before the Assembly. Now, unless that member knows something that law enforcement While I won’t find a point of order on this specific issue, I did doesn’t know, unless that member knows something that no one want to provide some cautionary rulings from past Speakers about else in this province knows, I suggest that he talk about this bill this matter and encourage the member to stick to the bill. which is before him right now because I can tell you right now that unless he knows something – the election, if I recall, was over two Mr. Carson: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that years ago. Now, I can get into the great details if the member wishes clarification, and I will do my best to continue to speak to this bill. – and we can have it off-line or in the House – of how an investigation works or how long an investigation may or may not take, but there Debate Continued are many, many factors, and the mere conversation that somebody Mr. Carson: Now, once again, when we reflect on the decisions has with an individual does not mean that that person is guilty. I that have been made by this government and members of the would suggest and make an argument that the conversations that I government, it’s very concerning when we talk about changes to had with the multitude of citizens throughout my history in law democracy here in our province. I think that past actions speak for enforcement do not mean that every person that I spoke to in the themselves in that respect. In my perception and when I reflect on investigation is guilty of something. the things that we’ve seen, it seems that this government truly only I suggest that that member either apologize, withdraw his makes decisions such as creating the opportunity for referendum to comments, or move on. happen on a municipal level, of course, leaving many of those expenses to be figured out by the municipal government. Whether The Speaker: The hon. opposition deputy House leader. we’re talking about Senate elections and the inability or Mr. Sabir: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do understand that the unwillingness of this government to actually implement regulations member is passionate about law enforcement and has a background at the time of the legislation coming forward and, just across the and spoke quite loudly, but I didn’t hear arguments how it’s a point board, the prevalence and the influence that is going to be opened of order. It was mostly – I think he was arguing that he may argue up or left to spend hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars this or he may argue that based on his experience. I don’t think it’s through, once again, Bill 26, Bill 27, and Bill 29, Albertans are a point of order. rightfully concerned. I think that these decisions are made not to benefit regular 5:30 Albertans who are interested in having their concerns heard. We’ve The Speaker: I am prepared to rule on the point of order as raised seen very clearly over the past two years – whether we’re talking by the government whip. While I think that we may have a matter about draft curriculum, whether we’re talking about insurance, of debate with respect to some of his comments, I think that sticking whether we’re talking about utilities – on pretty much any issue to the matter at hand and ensuring that the Member for Edmonton- that’s come before this House, unfortunately, that this UCP West Henday’s comments are more relevant to the piece of government has been unwilling to listen. If the government is not legislation are certainly more in order. even willing to listen to the people that elected them when they I would like to provide an additional comment. While I might not bring their concerns to the Legislature, I am very concerned that necessarily agree with the chief government whip today about the they will not have their voices heard with respect to past pieces of point of order that he raised, I was in fact considering standing and legislation regarding referendums, and the same goes for Bill 51, encouraging the member to speak not about internal party matters the Citizen Initiative Act. but about the legislation before the Assembly. I think that members on this side of the House have laid out their At some risk I want to just provide context that this isn’t actually concerns quite clearly about concerns with how votes are taking just me suggesting this. In 2013 then Speaker Zwozdesky spoke on place, where they’re taking place, the unwillingness, once again, of May 7, on page 2147 of Hansard for those of you following along this government to implement spending limits and saying: “Don’t at home, and he was quite impassioned when he said: worry. Trust us. We’ll make sure that that’s done through the How many times have I reminded you that matters dealing with regulations.” A perfect example, once again, when we look at internal party issues ought not be raised or brought forward in initiative advertising spending limits, 26(1): “A registered third this House? Five, six, seven? I think about eight different times. party shall not incur initiative advertising expenses exceeding the Then he went on to communicate the reasons why it’s important prescribed amount that applies to the initiative petition period.” that we don’t speak about internal party matters and more to the Once again, Mr. Speaker, the answers to what those prescribed important issues of the day. amounts are going to be are not in the legislation. The government I know that Speaker Zwozdesky spoke about this on numerous is asking Albertans and asking the opposition to take them at their occasions, and I have been noticing it becoming a more common word that they’re going to be reasonable, but when we looked at theme here in the Assembly, which is why I prepared for this Senate elections, when we looked at municipal referendum potential inevitability. On April 8, 2014, Speaker Zwozdesky said: opportunities, the numbers were very unreasonable. We spoke at I’m well aware that we’re entering a very sensitive time in length about those issues. provincial politics, and that’s why we like to leave party matters It is interesting, reflecting on the past of the UCP, that, once outside the doors. But if you have something that suggests that again, we see in subsection (3) that “a registered third party shall there is some [sort of] wrongdoing [that] the Member for Edmonton-Centre . . . not circumvent, or attempt to circumvent, an expense limit set out He goes on to talk about the issue that they were discussing, which in this Part by colluding with a proponent or third party.” Very was the uses of LAO resources. But then the Speaker goes on to interesting that we see that here, Mr. Speaker. Of course, I imagine say: that we can support that, but I would venture to say that Albertans I would therefore ask that the leader of the loyal opposition are concerned with the past history of this UCP in that respect. refrain from using that particular train of thought in her future Once again, when we look at what is in Bill 51 and what has been questions. left out, there is a lot to be concerned about. We can reflect on April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4695 issues. Whether we’re talking about issues of our parks system, on to benefit themselves, to benefit their special-interest groups that strip-mining the Rocky Mountains in our province, on the importance are pushing for these issues that will potentially influence, once of nurses and doctors and other health care professionals during this again, if we’re talking about past pieces of legislation that have pandemic, this UCP government has been very unwilling to listen. come forward, municipal elections, potentially influence advertising Now the UCP government is asking, essentially, for Albertans to that’s happening to attack a policy issue one way or another that sign off on this, what is essentially a blank cheque at this point, Mr. might reflect on the local elections that are happening at that time. Speaker, for third-party advertisers to come in and, you know, try It seems very clear that this government will do anything in their to convince Albertans one way or another. power to give themselves an upper hand on upcoming elections. I That’s fine, but the main concern continues to be that there are suppose that if that doesn’t work out for them, then, as we’ve seen no spending limits in this, just like there were astronomical spending with other pieces of legislation that come before this House, they’ll limits on Senate elections and other pieces that were contained in just bully them and potentially use these same bills or opportunities Bill 26, Bill 27, and Bill 29. I think that the majority of Albertans to say, whether it’s a school board or a municipal government: we’ll would agree that we should be doing as much as possible to limit just start a petition to make sure that either your feet are to the fire the influence of political action committees, of any third-party or we fire you undemocratically. It’s very unfortunate, Mr. Speaker. activity that’s happening, whether it’s corporations and unions. The absence that we see here of a requirement to collect signatures That was why the very first piece of legislation that we brought in from every electoral district, as the Member for Edmonton-Manning when we formed government in 2015 was to ban corporate and spoke about, is also an issue. union donations. Mr. Speaker, there are just so many issues, and unfortunately – I Further to that, we strengthened democracy by increasing hope that we will hear from the minister responsible for this opportunities for Albertans to vote. In many respects there were legislation. I hope that we will get some answers to the questions hurdles for Albertans to vote if they were potentially outside of their that we’ve been asking regarding: what limits are you expecting to community on election day, whether it’s outside of the province or set? This was discussed at length at committee. I believe all parties outside of their polling stations, so we created more opportunities respected the fact that these limits should be put in place, yet here for Albertans, who have the right and freedom to vote, to ensure we are once again reflecting on this legislation, an unfinished piece that they had no barriers to do so. While I would appreciate seeing of legislation, in my opinion, with zero discussion about expense further lessening of restrictions when we talk about those barriers and contribution limits here. that are in place, instead what we’re seeing are astronomical levels When we look at the prevalence of these opportunities in other of third-party influence potentially coming to our province. It’s jurisdictions, as members have spoken about, in California we’ve very concerning, Mr. Speaker. seen hundreds of millions of dollars influencing those opportunities, When we review what we’re seeing in this legislation, proposals whether it be interests like Uber trying to undercut labour laws in for legislative, policy, or constitutional changes, Mr. Speaker, there those jurisdictions or other parties who have their own special are some red flags there. The Member for Edmonton-Manning interests. spoke to some extent about issues of bodily autonomy that I am sure Once again, when we reflect on conversations that this Premier certain special-interest groups in this province would love to had – I’m not going to spend a very long extent on this, but there relitigate. Thankfully, we have come to a place where we have been were discussions about what would happen if this party formed able to move forward on those issues, but I know that those are government and how they would change labour codes and issues that – I’m sure there are people out there in our communities occupational health and safety and worker compensation legislation that would love to relitigate. Unfortunately, when we talk about and laws to benefit local large businesses if those organizations constitutional changes and opportunities for that to come to a supported this Premier. So here we are once again having a referendum, that could be very chaotic and very costly to our system government asking us to support a piece of legislation that is and, at the end of the day, potentially out of jurisdiction for our unfinished and is to the benefit of third parties, is to the benefit of province. PACs and dark money influencing our elections. 5:40 Mr. Speaker, with that, it’s hard to stand and see how, with so many glaring issues within this legislation, this is going to benefit When we consider what we see in this bill and, again, what is Albertans. While I completely understand and appreciate in missing from this bill, there is a lot to be left to the imagination. I principle what we see in Bill 51, the Citizen Initiative Act, I think guess that is the best way to put it, Mr. Speaker. There are too many we should be doing everything in our power to support and unanswered questions for anybody to be able to support this, in my strengthen democracy, and that would start by ensuring that there opinion. I know that Albertans in my community of Edmonton- are reasonable contribution limits. Unfortunately, we don’t see that West Henday are going to be concerned about this, the prevalence in this legislation. of money flooding into our system through Bill 26, Bill 27, Bill 29, So a lot of questions to be answered before I can come to a and now Bill 51. They expect answers before we could ever vote on conclusion on whether I’ll be supporting or not. Thank you, Mr. this in good conscience. Speaker. I would comment and reflect on the comments, again, from members on this side that without significant changes to fix the The Speaker: Hon. members, Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available issues that are in this legislation and that have been brought forward if anyone has a brief question or comment. through committee proceedings, the select special committee, Seeing none, the hon. the Premier. there’s just no way for us to be able to support this without major amendments and major changes to fix this. Maybe I went too far Mr. Kenney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am truly pleased to rise in there, Mr. Speaker. There might be an opportunity, but it’s a very support of Bill 51 at second reading, the Citizen Initiative Act. I can slim chance, in my opinion. hardly believe hearing myself saying those words in this Assembly Now, you know, I’ve spoken at length at this point on the lack of because it was, believe it or not, 30 years ago – 30 years ago – when clear expense or contribution limits to third-party advertisers. It I was executive director of the then Alberta taxpayers association, seems, again, that this government is creating and drafting legislation which subsequently became the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, 4696 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021 that I was working downstairs in the Legislature Library researching under this act by petition of voters although the legislation so sought direct democracy and, particularly, citizen initiatives, ultimately to could not provide for the spending of public money or go beyond draft a bill which I proposed on behalf of the taxpayers association the legislative jurisdiction of the – as does this and which was subsequently introduced as a private member’s bill bill, it goes without saying. by a then Progressive Conservative member. It did not pass. But I Quote: section 6 provided the limited initiative by allowing 20 promised myself then that I would never give up and that I would per cent of the electors meeting certain conditions to petition the continue to work for direct democracy as a complement, an Legislature to pass the proposed act, which if not enacted at the important complement to our parliamentary system. I am so proud session to which it was presented would be submitted under section to stand here as a member of a government that has made good on 7 to the voters and if approved, it would then effectively be enacted. that commitment with the introduction of this historic and profoundly Unquote. important democratic reform. Now, Mr. Speaker, it was very interesting. It was then quickly Mr. Speaker, maybe I’ll just start briefly with a word of rebuttal used, by the way, to have a referendum on prohibition, and in 1916 to the hon. member who just spoke and the notion that this is about voters passed by a large margin the Liquor Act. As a good Irish big money. The record is absolutely clear that the only big money Catholic I want the record to reflect that I would have voted against in Alberta politics is NDP special-interest union money from the prohibition. Unfortunately – yeah, but that’s the thing about government unions, $7 million in the last 10 years, that’s traceable, democracy that the NDP doesn’t like. You always get your say, but dumped into Alberta politics. But I appreciate the member’s concern. you may not always get your way. I would have voted against it, He wants to get big money out of Alberta politics. but Albertans back then wanted to get rid of the demon alcohol, and I have good news for him. Help is on the way. This fall – he’d they had every right to do so. better tell Gil to start spending the money right now – we’re shutting Now, it was challenged by a liquor seller, Nat Bell Liquors. He down the NDP big-money machine in Alberta politics. We’re didn’t like this one bit. It put him out of business, Mr. Speaker. He putting it out of business. We’re getting the big money out. We’re challenged it all the way up to the Privy Council at Westminster, going to bring forth, as we committed to Albertans, a cap of $30,000 our then Supreme Court, and they looked at very interesting on contributions to third-party campaigns or so-called political jurisprudence. They looked at whether the Legislature could action committees. That is going to reduce the NDP and Gil effectively bind itself to a referendum through an initiative process, McGowan’s campaign budget by millions of dollars. Big union and the Privy Council said that a law is made by the provincial money should not have a bigger advantage to speak and influence Legislature when it has been passed in accordance with a regular our politics than that of severely normal Albertans. I can’t wait to procedure of the House or Houses and has received the royal assent watch them vote. I know they’ll support the bill. I can’t wait for duly signified by the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of His Majesty. them to support the bill to get the big money out. Such was the case with the act in question. It is impossible to say Mr. Speaker, the NDP is not opposing this because of that. that it was not an act of the Legislature and is nonetheless a statute They’re opposing it because they’re opposed to democracy. Do you because it was the statutory duty of the Legislature to pass it. remember when we introduced a bill allowing for referendums on Unquote. The court effectively went on to say that it was nonconstitutional questions, where the government could consult constitutional. Albertans in a direct democratic forum? Do you remember that the Now, that same year, 1916, Manitoba followed along, and this is NDP actually said that this was – what was the word? – tyrannical, all part of the – by the way, the original meaning of progressive had profoundly undemocratic, allowing 3.2, I think, 3.4 million adult nothing to do with political correctness or the left’s political Alberta voters to have a direct say on important issues rather than agenda; it meant grassroots, typically agrarian populism with a just 87 elected representatives? For the NDP that is undemocratic. strong emphasis on democratic reform like this, and that happened Mr. Speaker, just to give you a sense of how extreme Alberta’s in Manitoba. In 1916 they passed a citizens’ initiative law, but, Mr. NDP is, it was the British Columbia NDP, which used to be Speaker, they made the mistake, they made the fatal error of writing regarded as being further to the left, that brought in a British the Lieutenant Governor out of the law-passing process, which was Columbia citizen initiative law and a recall law in 1993. I should unconstitutional. That went up to the Judicial Committee of the know because I worked with them on that when I was with the Privy Council, who, in 1919, ruled that law unconstitutional. Canadian Taxpayers Federation. And many years later, 1958, Premier Manning’s government is 5:50 in office, and some poor fellow writes in to the Deputy Attorney This should not be a partisan question. Do you know why it is? General and says, “I want to launch an initiative petition under that They’ve always been and they always will be a minority party in 1911 statute.” The Attorney General digs around, and he comes up Alberta, and they are afraid of the judgment of the people. They like with this old 1919 Privy Council decision and says: “Oh, no. This politics where the loud special interests get to dominate the debate is ultra vires. This is null and void. It was nullified by the British rather than ordinary people being able to make the decision at the court.” Actually, that was a mistake because the Alberta legislation ballot box. never wrote out the Lieutenant Governor, all of which may sound Now, Mr. Speaker, a point I want to make is that I have here a politically arcane, but the point is this. Initiative is not a violation really tremendous book, that I read 30 years ago, by my friend of our parliamentary traditions or system; it is, rather, a complement Patrick Boyer, former Member of Parliament, published in 1983, to it and, I would anticipate, only to be used really in extremis. entitled Lawmaking by the People: Referendums and Plebiscites in Mr. Speaker, the B.C. New Democrat government of Mike Canada. It’s a great compendium if you want to know about the Harcourt brought in, as I mentioned, the initiative act, on which history. Interestingly, this is not the first proposed initiative bill in many of the thresholds here are based. It has been triggered once Alberta. In fact, in 1913, quote, the Alberta Legislature enacted The successfully in that period of time, which is not exactly overdosing Direct Legislation Act, which provided for submission of legislation on democracy, by the way. I know that the NDP is terrified that we to or by the electors at the provincial level. The legislation had been might actually have democracy break out in this province like they introduced by the Liberal government of Premier Sifton and was do in California. The voters are not smart enough, according to the supported by opposition Conservatives. Initiative was provided for NDP, to actually answer a couple of substantive questions on a April 20, 2021 Alberta Hansard 4697 ballot along while they’re choosing their mayor and their councillors. The Speaker: Hon. members, Standing Order 29(2)(a) is available They have a very low opinion of Alberta voters. if anyone has a brief question or comment for the Premier. But, Mr. Speaker, in B.C. they’ve had one initiative. It was Seeing none, is there anyone else wishing to speak? triggered by the harmonization of the provincial sales tax with the If not, I am prepared to call on the minister to close debate. goods and services tax under the Campbell government. It was former Premier Bill Vander Zalm who led the initiative, and Mr. Madu: Waived. amazingly they got 10 per cent of signatures in 60 days, and they [The voice vote indicated that the motion for second reading carried] had to do it in every one of the – what? – 86 ridings in British Columbia. This is a much more accessible process in Bill 51 [Several members rose calling for a division. The division bell was because it’s a 10 per cent threshold, no geographic requirement, rung at 5:59 p.m.] unless you’re seeking a constitutional amendment, in which case [Fifteen minutes having elapsed, the Assembly divided] it’s a 20 per cent threshold, and two-thirds of the ridings have to be represented in that threshold. [The Speaker in the chair] I want to thank the members of both parties who sat on the For the motion: democratic reform committee for their good, diligent work, including Ellis LaGrange Schweitzer the chair, the deputy whip of the government, on this. Getson Orr Singh Mr. Speaker, as I draw to a close, I truly believe this provides a Glasgo Pon Stephan critical outlet. There are times when people in elected office, for Goodridge Reid Turton one reason or another, don’t listen to or have become insensitive to Gotfried Rosin Walker broader public opinion on critical issues. This is a – you know, Guthrie Rowswell Wilson imagine: if this had been in legislation, if I had won that fight 30 Hunter Rutherford Yao years ago and we had an initiative law in place, I guarantee you that Kenney Albertans in the masses would have signed an initiative petition to force a referendum vote to repeal the NDP carbon tax. They never Against the motion: ran on it. They hid it from voters, the biggest tax hike in Alberta Bilous Eggen Shepherd history. It’s through initiative that voters can undo sneaky tricks by Carson Goehring Sweet dishonest politicians like the previous NDP government. That is – Deol Sabir I call it the in-case-of-emergency-break-glass kind of mechanism to Totals: For – 22 Against – 8 enhance our democracy. Mr. Speaker, I look forward, in the anticipation that this will pass [Motion carried; Bill 51 read a second time] at second reading, to further study on this. I implore members of the The Speaker: Hon. members, pursuant to Standing Order 4(1)(c) House on both sides to empower Albertans to trust the common the House stands adjourned until 7:30 this evening. sense of the common people with the most important democratic reform in this province in over a century. [The Assembly adjourned at 6:16 p.m.]

4698 Alberta Hansard April 20, 2021

Table of Contents Prayers ...... 4665 Members’ Statements Affordable Child Care ...... 4665 National Volunteer Week ...... 4665 Federal Carbon Tax ...... 4665 Premier’s Remarks on COVID-19 ...... 4666 Mental Health ...... 4666 COVID-19 Impact on Education ...... 4666 Keyano College Flood Mitigation ...... 4666 COVID-19 Community Response ...... 4667 Red Tape Reduction ...... 4667 Presenting Reports by Standing and Special Committees ...... 4667 Oral Question Period COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout and Paid Leave for Employees ...... 4667 Affordable Child Care ...... 4668 Carbon Pricing ...... 4669 Eastern Slopes Protection and Coal Development Policies ...... 4669 Technology Industry Investment in Alberta ...... 4670 Jobs Now Program ...... 4670 Seniors Advocate Act ...... 4671 Public Health Act Amendments ...... 4671 COVID-19 Impact on Education ...... 4672 Police Street Checks and Carding ...... 4672 Home-schooling Supports ...... 4673 Racism and Hate Promotion Prevention ...... 4673 Bill 47 ...... 4674 Land Development and Home-building Industries ...... 4675 Tabling Returns and Reports ...... 4675 Orders of the Day ...... 4675 Government Bills and Orders Second Reading Bill 62 Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2021 ...... 4675 Bill 58 Freedom to Care Act ...... 4682 Bill 51 Citizen Initiative Act ...... 4690

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